Liverpool John Moores University has dropped its threat of a libel action against Robert Halfon MP. Mr Halfon had criticised the University’s commercial links with the Libyan regime.
The University’s external lawyers had sent a formal letter before action to Mr Halfon demanding an unqualified withdrawal of the statements, an undertaking not to repeat them, a “donation” to the university, and payment of the University’s legal costs.
Mr Halfon instructed David Allen Green, Preiskel & Co LLP’s head of media, to defend the claim. Mr Green has recently acted successfully for Sally Bercow against the libel threats made by MigrationWatch and Sir Andrew Green. He also helped co-ordinate the defence campaign of Dr Simon Singh in respect of the libel claim brought by the British Chiropractic Association.
In a letter to the University’s lawyers, Mr Green described the threat as “illiberal, confused, and misconceived” and that it was denied in its entirety. He added that Mr Halfon stood by his criticisms and would not withdraw them, or meet any of the University’s demands.
Last week the University’s external lawyers confirmed that the University would not be taking any further action.