Andrew Bridgen v Matt Hancock

Andrew Bridgen v Matt Hancock

The application for summary judgment is refused because the issues of serious harm and honest opinion are fact-specific, evaluative, and require full investigation at trial. The claim is not unreal, and there are compelling reasons for further inquiry. The section 3(5) counter-defence is inadequately pleaded but not bound to fail; the claimant is given a limited opportunity to amend.

Parties
Claimant: Mr Andrew Bridgen; Defendant: Mr Matt Hancock
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
14 April 2025
Procedural Posture
Libel Claim / Ruling on Summary Judgment and Strike Out Applications
Outcome
Application for summary judgment and strike-out refused; claim to proceed to trial.
Legal Topics
Libel, Serious Harm, Honest Opinion Defence, Summary Judgment, Strike Out, Innuendo Reference
Defamation Media Law Civil Procedure Libel Serious Harm Honest Opinion Defence Summary Judgment Strike Out +1 more

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Parties

Mr Andrew Bridgen

Claimant

Mr Matt Hancock

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Libel Claim / Ruling on Summary Judgment and Strike Out Applications

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the claim discloses serious harm under section 1 of the Defamation Act 2013
  2. 2 Whether the defence of honest opinion under section 3 of the Defamation Act 2013 applies
  3. 3 Whether the section 3(5) counter-defence (that the defendant did not hold the opinion) is viable

Ratio Decidendi

The application for summary judgment is refused because the issues of serious harm and honest opinion are fact-specific, evaluative, and require full investigation at trial. The claim is not unreal, and there are compelling reasons for further inquiry. The section 3(5) counter-defence is inadequately pleaded but not bound to fail; the claimant is given a limited opportunity to amend.

Court Disposition

Application for summary judgment and strike-out refused; claim to proceed to trial.

Orders

  • Claim to proceed to full evidential stages and trial.
  • Claimant given limited opportunity to amend section 3(5) counter-defence and Reply to honest opinion defence.