Michelle Donelan, the Science Secretary, has issued an apology and agreed to pay damages after falsely suggesting in a social media post that an academic had expressed sympathy for Hamas. This incident led to a court case where Donelan was found to have made false claims, resulting in a cost to the taxpayer of £15,000. The controversy has sparked discussions about the responsibilities of public officials in their public communications.
UPDATE: The @OpenUniversity and I have agreed a settlement. My legal case against them has now come to a conclusion. I am relieved that there is no need for a remedies hearing. As you know, the panel found in my favour. I am sad that it took nearly 5 years of my life, over…
College lecturer wrongly sacked after being falsely accused of asking 'disgruntled' teenage student out on a date and questioning if she was 'sexually active', tribunal hears https://t.co/joaEtPqB8p https://t.co/lze9vf6rza
"College lecturer sacked after teenager lied about inappropriate behaviour, tribunal hears "Tutor wins compensation after judge finds ‘career-ending’ allegations by student were an act of revenge" https://t.co/NpfET35JNJ
“U.K. science minister pays damages to researcher she accused of airing ‘extremist’ views.” https://t.co/Ab23IZvUwl https://t.co/R6kaO7avqE
Science Secretary apologises for post falsely suggesting academic was Hamas supporter https://t.co/h1JFfKR0bT
Tory Minister Michelle Donelan grilled after after losing court case for accusing academic of supporing Hamas https://t.co/jpWJpZm5KJ
The Science Secretary had published a letter on social media falsely suggesting an academic had expressed sympathy for Hamas https://t.co/DN2JHGfnBb
"With hindsight, I could have just sent it privately”: Michelle Donelan apologises after false Hamas claims in letter she posted online cost taxpayer £15,000 https://t.co/H3avP0Oedu