Suspended Tory MP says Holocaust comment was ‘in no way antisemitic’
Andrew Bridgen says he will take legal action against anyone who suggests he is 'racist' after the outcry over his tweet which compared Covid vaccine safety against the Holocaust
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
Suspended Tory MP Andrew Bridgen has claimed his comparison between Covid vaccine safety against the Holocaust was “in no way antisemitic” – and has threatened to take legal action against anyone who suggests he is “racist.”
In his first statement since sparking fury by tweeting an article from a far-right news site questioning vaccine safety, and writing “ this is the biggest crime against humanity since the Holocaust” the North West Leicestershire MP also vowed to “continue to ask” questions about the safety of the jabs.
He said:”My tweet of the 11th of January was in no way antisemitic. Indeed, it alluded to the Holocaust being the most heinous crime against humanity in living memory.”
The MP, who has had the party whip removed ahead of an investigation into his remarks, also said: “Of course, if anyone is genuinely offended by my use of such imagery, then I apologise for any offence caused.
“I wholeheartedly refute any suggestions that I am racist and currently I’m speaking to a legal team who will commence action against those who have led the call suggesting that I am.”
The MP was suspended by the Conservatives on Wednesday and faced criticism from Rishi Sunak who called his comments as “completely unacceptable”.
In a response on YouTube, Bridgen added:”“I’m disappointed that the chief whip, Simon Hart, with the support of the prime minister, has chosen to suspend me as a member of the Conservative parliamentary party.”
The suspended MP also told viewers that he would “continue to ask” questions about the vaccine, complaining about “the current state of our democracy, the right to free speech.”
Bridgen has previously sparked anger over comments made about an alleged “Jewish lobby” during a parliamentary debate.
He used the term in 2014 during a Palestine debate telling MPs “the political system of the world’s superpower and our great ally the United States is very susceptible to well-funded powerful lobbying groups and the power of the Jewish lobby in America.”
The anti racism organisation Hope Not Hate have also raised further concern about Bridget’s recent appearance on a podcast broadcast by his close associate James Delingpole, where they both discussed Covid conspiracy theories.
Delingpole has previously sparked anger after defending the rapper Kayne West over his antisemitism comments.
Thank you for helping to make Jewish News the leading source of news and opinion for the UK Jewish community. Today we're asking for your invaluable help to continue putting our community first in everything we do.
For as little as £5 a month you can help sustain the vital work we do in celebrating and standing up for Jewish life in Britain.
Jewish News holds our community together and keeps us connected. Like a synagogue, it’s where people turn to feel part of something bigger. It also proudly shows the rest of Britain the vibrancy and rich culture of modern Jewish life.
You can make a quick and easy one-off or monthly contribution of £5, £10, £20 or any other sum you’re comfortable with.
100% of your donation will help us continue celebrating our community, in all its dynamic diversity...
Engaging
Being a community platform means so much more than producing a newspaper and website. One of our proudest roles is media partnering with our invaluable charities to amplify the outstanding work they do to help us all.
Celebrating
There’s no shortage of oys in the world but Jewish News takes every opportunity to celebrate the joys too, through projects like Night of Heroes, 40 Under 40 and other compelling countdowns that make the community kvell with pride.
Pioneering
In the first collaboration between media outlets from different faiths, Jewish News worked with British Muslim TV and Church Times to produce a list of young activists leading the way on interfaith understanding.
Campaigning
Royal Mail issued a stamp honouring Holocaust hero Sir Nicholas Winton after a Jewish News campaign attracted more than 100,000 backers. Jewish Newsalso produces special editions of the paper highlighting pressing issues including mental health and Holocaust remembrance.
Easy access
In an age when news is readily accessible, Jewish News provides high-quality content free online and offline, removing any financial barriers to connecting people.
Voice of our community to wider society
The Jewish News team regularly appears on TV, radio and on the pages of the national press to comment on stories about the Jewish community. Easy access to the paper on the streets of London also means Jewish News provides an invaluable window into the community for the country at large.
We hope you agree all this is worth preserving.
