Former Health Secretary Matt Hancock has failed in his attempt to dismiss a libel case brought by ex-Tory MP Andrew Bridgen, clearing the way for a high-profile courtroom battle over a social media exchange about COVID-19 vaccines. The High Court ruling sets the stage for a dramatic examination of political discourse during the pandemic era.
The legal clash stems from a January 2023 Twitter confrontation that began when Bridgen shared an article comparing vaccine side effects to “the biggest crime against humanity since the Holocaust.” Hancock swiftly responded by denouncing what he characterized as “disgusting and dangerous antisemitic, anti-vax conspiracy theories,” though he did not directly name Bridgen in his post.
Mrs Justice Collins Rice delivered the pivotal decision, finding that Bridgen’s case deserved full judicial scrutiny. While acknowledging that Hancock’s tweet could be interpreted as condemning conspiracy theories rather than targeting Bridgen personally, she determined there were “compelling reasons for further investigation at trial.” The judge emphasized that critical evidence about Hancock’s true intentions remained unavailable for preliminary assessment.
Hancock’s legal team had vigorously argued for dismissal, maintaining the case was “absurd” and lacked realistic prospects of success. They contended the former health secretary was rightfully challenging dangerous misinformation rather than attacking a political colleague. Bridgen, however, insists the comments deliberately inflicted “grievous harm” on his reputation and crossed into defamatory territory.
This ruling guarantees a potentially explosive trial that will revisit one of the most divisive chapters of British politics. The proceedings promise to examine not just the specific Twitter exchange, but broader questions about acceptable political rhetoric during national crises. With both men having left Parliament following the 2024 election, the case now moves from the political arena to the courtroom, where vaccine policies and parliamentary conduct may face fresh scrutiny.
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