Considering a claim, in which the particulars state that words or phrases, often used in a colloquial manner, have caused or may cause financial and/or reputational damage to persons or businesses.

Examples given include:

1. The manager is a parasite
2. What they have done to the business is criminal
3. They are raping the community coffers
4. They are con artists
5. The company is finished with him at the helm

What would be the best way to individually defend the claims against statements such as the above when used in every day context, and given that there is no specific reference to any actual dishonest activity or crime?

This question is concerning the United Kingdom and not the United States, which allows broader latitude under free speech.