Andrew Bridgen has insisted his comments comparing the COVID vaccine roll-out to the Holocaust were in “no way anti-Semitic” in his first statement since losing the Conservative whip.
In a video statement, the North West Leicestershire MP criticised the government for “actively look(ing) to remove MPs” who question the safety of COVID vaccines and said he had received “huge support” for his claims.
He said: “My tweet of 11th of January was in no way anti-Semitic.
“Indeed, it alluded to the Holocaust being the most heinous crime against humanity in living memory.
“Of course, if anyone is genuinely offended by my use of such imagery, then I apologise for any offence caused.
“I wholeheartedly refute any suggestion that I am racist and currently I am speaking to a legal team who will commence action against those who have led the call suggesting that I am.”
Mr Bridgen tweeted an article on Wednesday questioning the safety of the jabs, adding: “As one consultant cardiologist said to me, this is the biggest crime against humanity since the Holocaust.”
‘Mind-boggling ignorance’: Holocaust survivor criticises Andrew Bridgen’s vaccine remarks
MP Andrew Bridgen has Tory whip removed after comparing COVID vaccines with Holocaust
Tory MP Andrew Bridgen should be suspended for threatening commissioner, Standards Committee recommends
The remarks have been widely criticised by Holocaust charities, scientists and MPs, resulting in him losing the Conservative whip – meaning he is no longer a Tory MP but is an independent.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Martin Stern, a Holocaust survivor and retired immunologist, accused the prominent backbencher of “mind-boggling ignorance” and said he had failed his constituents.
“People in a position of public responsibility like Andrew Bridgen owe us, the public, a debt of due diligence,” Mr Stern told Sky News.
“Before they open their mouths about an issue like this, they should inform themselves, they should get expert advice.
“Andrew Bridgen has not done that, so he has failed in his duty to his constituents and to the British public.”
Scientific experts defended the vaccines in the wake of Mr Bridgen’s comments.
He later deleted the tweet, but in his statement on Thursday vowed to “continue to ask” questions about the safety of COVID jabs.
About 20 million lives were saved by the COVID vaccine in its first year, Imperial College London research published in June last year found.
