Matt Hancock faces trial over Andrew Bridgen libel claim

A High Court judge has ruled that former Health Secretary Matt Hancock must face a libel trial initiated by ex-MP Andrew Bridgen over a January 2023 Twitter post. Bridgen alleges that Hancock's comments, which labeled him as spreading 'antisemitic, anti-vax, anti-scientific conspiracy theories,' were defamatory and intended to cause harm to his reputation. Hancock attempted to have the case dismissed, claiming it lacked merit, but Mrs. Justice Collins Rice determined there are compelling reasons for further investigation, stating Bridgen's case does not appear 'unreal.' The judge emphasized that the outcome will depend on a thorough examination of evidence from both parties. This legal battle has arisen after Bridgen shared controversial claims regarding Covid vaccine safety, which led to his suspension from the Conservative Party. The trial is expected to delve deeper into the implications of both politicians' statements and the context surrounding them.