In a significant legal development, former Health Secretary Matt Hancock's attempt to have a libel claim by MP Andrew Bridgen dismissed was rejected by the High Court. The case, identified as Andrew Bridgen v Matthew Hancock [2024] EWHC 623 (KB), saw Hancock trying to strike out the defamation claim against him. However, the court has given Bridgen the opportunity to amend the particulars of his claim, indicating that while parts of the case were struck out, Bridgen was instructed to 'remedy deficiencies' in his libel claim against Hancock. This ruling opens the door for Bridgen to potentially seek massive damages as the legal battle intensifies. The case has garnered attention with Hancock being referred to as 'Medazolam Matt' and invoking strong public sentiments, particularly around the hashtag #Carehomes.
Bridgen told to 'remedy deficiencies' in libel claim against Hancock as parts of case struck out https://t.co/h2YlrtgUn7
Breaking News: Hancock loses bid to have Bridgen libel claim thrown out of High Court. The former Health secretary Matt Hancock now faces potential massive damages as MP Andrew Bridgen goes on the attack. Medazolam Matt is despised in the UK #Carehomes https://t.co/WWxAqzDeCA
Andrew Bridgen v Matthew Hancock [2024] EWHC 623 (KB) Hancock attempts to strike out defamation claim against him. Bridgen given opportunity to amend particulars of claim. https://t.co/kwpkgUL6Wb https://t.co/OxaDjWjCRN
Matt Hancock loses bid to have Andrew Bridgen's libel claim thrown out of High Court. An update on my libel case against former Health Secretary Matt Hancock. https://t.co/ItYg0m8tRy
Matt Hancock loses bid to have Andrew Bridgen's libel claim thrown out of High Court https://t.co/bluFKz8Has