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.”
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.