Matt Hancock fails to stop Covid vaccine libel case
Former health secretary being sued by ex-MP Andrew Bridgen over post on X in January 2023 | Matt Hancock, a former health secretary, is being sued by Andrew Bridgen over a post on X in January 2023. Mr Bridgen, the former North West Leicestershire MP, shared a link to an article concerning data about deaths and other adverse reactions linked to Covid vaccines, stating: 💬 "As one consultant cardiologist said to me, this is the biggest crime against humanity since the Holocaust." Hours later, Mr Hancock shared a video of him asking a question in the Commons, captioned:
💬 “The disgusting and dangerous anti-Semitic, anti-vax, anti-scientific conspiracy theories spouted by a sitting MP this morning are unacceptable and have absolutely no place in our society." (Source)
He unsuccessfully asked a judge to throw out the case last year, and at a hearing in March asked the court in London to rule in his favour before a trial. Mr Bridgen opposed the application, with his barristers calling it a “desperate last throw of the dice”.