Andrew Bridgen: I received’t sue Matt Hancock if he says sorry

Ex-Tory MP Andrew Bridgen has prompt that he’ll withdraw his authorized motion towards Matt Hancock if the previous well being secretary apologises.

Mr Bridgen, who was stripped of the Tory whip after showing to check Covid-19 vaccines with the Holocaust, mentioned this week that he was suing Mr Hancock after he hit out on the MP over the remarks.

The MP tweeted on Thursday to verify that he was planning to sue Mr Hancock over the row, saying that he “had a authorized letter earlier than motion from Unhealthy Regulation Workforce on my behalf concerning defamation on Monday”.

In an interview with GB Information on Saturday, Mr Bridgen instructed the broadcaster that he was open to receiving an apology from the previous Cupboard minister.

He mentioned: “My legal professionals have written to him with a really detailed letter laying out the case for defamation.

“The ball may be very a lot in Matt Hancock’s courtroom, he can apologise, he could make a fee which can go to these which have been vaccine harmed or we are able to take this additional.

“It’s very a lot as much as him.

“I can’t actually touch upon it much more than that as a result of in any other case, my legal professionals will go bonkers.”

Mr Bridgen, who has denied he’s antisemitic whereas additionally defending his language concerning the security of coronavirus vaccines, is having his authorized motion supported by the Reclaim Social gathering and the Unhealthy Regulation Mission.

The undertaking, which is linked to Reclaim Social gathering chief Laurence Fox, claims to oppose “political ideology disguised as regulation”.

“There are three stipulations there within the letter. It’s as much as Matt Hancock now what he does. It’ll take him a while to digest that letter,” Mr Bridgen mentioned.

“He had it final Monday. Let’s see what he comes again with. However I’m fairly joyful to pursue the case if that’s what he needs to do.”

Mr Hancock has up to now refused to again down.

A spokesperson this week mentioned: “What Matt mentioned was clearly not libellous and he stands by his feedback.

“Fairly than losing his money and time on an absurd libel case he’ll undoubtedly lose, let’s hope Bridgen does the proper factor and apologises for the harm he’s brought on and retains his offensive view to himself in future.”