Ex-Tory MP Open to Resolution Following Controversial Remarks

Former Conservative MP Andrew Bridgen has indicated that he may withdraw his legal action against Matt Hancock if the ex-health secretary offers an apology. Bridgen, who lost the Tory whip after controversially comparing Covid-19 vaccines to the Holocaust, plans to sue Hancock in response to comments made about him following the incident.

On Thursday, Bridgen confirmed his intention to pursue legal action, revealing that his lawyers had sent a defamation letter to Hancock on his behalf. In a subsequent interview with GB News, Bridgen expressed his willingness to accept an apology from Hancock, stating, “My lawyers have written to him with a very detailed letter outlining the case for defamation.”

He added, “The ball is very much in Matt Hancock’s court. He can apologise, he can make a payment to those harmed by vaccines, or we can escalate this further. It’s entirely up to him. I can’t comment more extensively without my lawyers getting upset.”

Bridgen has denied any antisemitic intent in his remarks and continues to defend his statements regarding the safety of Covid vaccines. His legal action is being supported by the Reclaim Party and the Bad Law Project, an initiative associated with Reclaim Party leader Laurence Fox, which criticises what it sees as political ideologies masquerading as legal principles.

“There are three stipulations in the letter. It’s now up to Matt Hancock to decide how to respond. He received it last Monday, so let’s see what he comes back with. I’m ready to pursue the case if that’s his choice,” Bridgen remarked.

Hancock, however, has thus far refused to relent. A spokesperson stated, “What Matt said was clearly not libellous, and he stands by his comments. Instead of wasting time and money on a frivolous libel case that he will likely lose, we hope Bridgen will apologise for the harm he has caused and refrain from making further offensive remarks in the future.”