Judge Rules Andrew Bridgen’s Libel Case Against Matt Hancock Can Move Forward to Trial
The judgment ruled in favor of vaccine critic Bridgen, stating that Hancock’s accusation of ‘anti-Semitic’ actions could cause serious reputational damage.
Former MP Andrew Bridgen’s libel claim against ex-Health Secretary Matt Hancock will proceed to a full trial, as a High Court judge rejected Hancock’s second attempt to dismiss the claim.
The legal battle began with a January 2023 post by Hancock on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), where he accused COVID-19 vaccine critic Bridgen of spreading “disgusting and dangerous antisemitic, anti-vax, anti-scientific conspiracy theories.”
Hancock’s post followed Bridgen sharing a link to an article about adverse reactions linked to COVID-19 vaccines, quoting a consultant cardiologist as saying it was the “biggest crime against humanity since the Holocaust.”
No ‘Obvious Quality of Unreality’
In Monday’s judgment, Mrs. Justice Collins Rice rejected Hancock’s application, stating that a trial was necessary to assess the evidence properly.
She stated, “My task is not to determine who has a stronger case at this stage or who is more likely to win. My duty is to consider if Mr. Bridgen’s case is plausible.”
Collins Rice concluded, “Mr. Bridgen’s case does not seem unrealistic based on the current evidence.”
She emphasized the need for further investigation at trial before a definitive judgment could be made.
The judge confirmed that the case will proceed to a full trial, while advising Bridgen to improve his counter-defence pleading.
Bridgen, who lost his seat in the 2024 election, expressed his intention to clear his name through the legal action against Hancock, whom he accused of acting with malice.
Hancock’s resignation as health secretary, his suspension from the Conservative Party, and subsequent career decisions were discussed in the ruling.
Hancock is yet to comment on the latest judgment and has been instructed to pay legal costs within 14 days.
