At the High Court today the following joint statement was agreed.
On 29 April 2016, Jake Wallis Simons and Craig Murray appeared together on Sky News to debate anti-Semitism in the United Kingdom. Following that debate, Dr Wallis Simons issued libel proceedings against Mr Murray. Dr Wallis Simons and Mr Murray have now settled these proceedings.
By this statement, Mr Murray accepts that Dr Wallis Simons is not a liar, and Dr Wallis Simons accepts that Mr Murray is not an anti-Semite. They are both pleased to have resolved this dispute amicably.
I am genuinely happy with this outcome, which would never have been remotely possible without the incredible 5,000 plus people who donated to my defence fund and enabled me to be represented by a top legal team. It continues to be my view that the libel laws are appalling – had I lost the case I was very definitely looking at a cost of £350,000 plus.
I am also very grateful to the band of readers of this blog who arrived to support me, and in the end saw very little. When invited to open the case the other side immediately asked for an adjournment to discuss a settlement. The hour of delay which followed was occupied on our side almost entirely by my agonising over whether it was morally acceptable for me to agree this statement and use the defence fund to pay my lawyers, or whether those who donated did so in the expectation I would fight the case whatever.
There were a number of supporters at hand who had donated, many of whom were personally previously unknown to me, and the opinions I could canvass were unanimously that this was a good result and a good use of their money.
Having agreed to settle in this way, I have arrived at this following decision. If anybody who donated feels they have been unduly sold out, please let me know through the contact button above and your donation will be refunded to you.
When we started the defence fund, our “realistic” projection was a total of £12,000. That we eventually raised over £100,000 is astonishing. Equally astonishing, but in a bad way, is that my own legal team’s cost almost amounts to that – I will publish full accounts in due course. After all is settled and refunds issued to those who wish, if anything is left over I propose to split it between Andy Wightman’s defence fund and Neil Clark’s case against Oliver Kamm. Again please do let me know if you object. It’s actually your money not mine.
I did not realise how this has been weighing me down, until the threat has been lifted today. I have never claimed to be entirely without fault, and I would ask you to refrain from any comment here which detracts from the amicable spirit of the joint statement. It is a time for celebration not recrimination, and please confine any rudeness to remarks about me.
Great news. More than happy with your suggestion of splitting between both Andy and Neil’s cases. Well done for ‘keeping the heid’!
Nice one, Craig. Sounds to me like they lost their nerve about putting that nonsense before a beak. Can’t say I blame them. Glad your ordeal is over and look forward to reading more of your views in these tumultuous times.
Glad its over Craig well done and keep up the good work.
Good news indeed! Fully agree to your proposal about how any surplus funds should be spent.
great outcome.. so pleased for you both!
Really happy that you don’t have this hanging over you anymore. Also happy with your suggestion fot use of surplus monies if any.
Happy to see any surplus funds go to Wightman or Clark.
Glad it’s finished, as for the money do with it what you wish ?
Pleased that it has worked out for you. As for the money do what you think is best. Your integrity is obvious ?
Great result Craig, your proposal is ok with me. keep up the good work .
Excellent news Craig, hope you’re still going to post out my book, heh heh heh.
What a huge relief for you and your family
Good news indeed!
Any leftover money will be put to good use , of that I’m sure.
I’m glad it worked out.
Marvellous news. Just occasionally good sense prevails in what passes for our judicial system. I think a small celebratory tissue-restorative may be in order!
Genuinely delighted at your news and as a small donor I’m totally in agreement with your proposals as to use of any surplus in the fund. Now you can give your estimable time, energy and skill once more to Scotland’s cause, without this case distracting you. Best wishes to you and your family. It will have been a strain on them too.
Craig you have my support, without favour.
Great weight lifted from your shoulders. So glad for you and your family/
Great news, Craig – and well done to those who went to the court too. Can’t believe how these laws can’t be changed. The outcome was similar to a teacher sorting out a school ground squabble, so this case should have been rejected at the earliest opportunity. However, can’t imagine how relieved you must feel. Slainté
Great. Now have some convalescence and take care of yourself. Nice to have good news.
Congratulations Craig! I am really glad for you that this nightmare been resolved and that you can finally have some peace.
I am so happy for you Craig, it is a huge relief for you and your family. They were on a sticky peg and realised it, thankfully. Keep up the good work! 🙂
A good outcome given the possibilities, it must be a great relief!
Craig,
No pain, no gain – as they say in sports training.
It’s horrible, what you and your family have been through, but you come out of it stronger than ever. The fact that people, out of the blue, have contributed over £100,000 shows just how much you are appreciated. We appreciate you for the value of your blog, but above all, for doing the right thing, even when it cost you your career, your health, and much else.
Just continue to follow your “inner light”, be prepared for more horrible things to happen to you, and know that you will get through it.
Of course I don’t want any part of my contribution refunded. I trust you to use it wisely.
(BTW: I am not the “Neil” who commented above at 06:40; I am the Neil in the scruffy blue jeans who attended your case yesterday).
Hear hear!
Wow, what a relief! I am so very happy for you, Craig – you’ve done nothing wrong, so just take a little time off and enjoy your loved ones xxx
Glad to hear of the result, keep up the good work, I am more than happy for you to use my small donation as you see fit. Kind Regards,
Congratulations! I didn’t contribute to your defence fund – lawyers’ fees are offensively high – but I would have thought you are owed compensation for the vexatious nature of this action against you.
Absolutely delighted this has been resolved. My donation has been well used. Now get on with your life and continue to speak your truths. ?
Well done Craig. What a relief.
Use the money I donated for your blog or whatever you see fit.
Your writing and work has given me hope and courage for years.
Excellent news Craig!
Glad I could have helped Craig.
Please behave yourself from now on!