Sir Van Morrison: NI health minister sues singer over Covid restrictions chant

Ian Paisley joined the singer on stage at the Europa Hotel in Belfast in June when the "very dangerous" comments were made

Northern Ireland's health minister has initiated legal proceedings against Sir Van Morrison, who branded him "very dangerous" over his handling of Covid-19 restrictions.

Robin Swann's solicitor Paul Tweed said proceedings were "at an advanced stage" with a hearing expected in early 2022.

In June, the singer chanted the "very dangerous" comments during a dinner.

Sir Van's solicitor said the singer "regrets that Mr Swann considered it necessary to issue proceedings".

John J Rice & Co said its client was also "disappointed by the publicity that surrounds the issue of the proceedings".

"This firm can confirm that a defence has been served on behalf of Mr Morrison to the proceedings brought by Mr Swann," it said.

"Mr Morrison asserts within that defence that the words used by him related to a matter of public interest and constituted fair comment."

Morrison is an outspoken critic of Covid-19 restrictions.

'Put on the spot'

It is understood the High Court proceedings also include two other incidents - when the singer allegedly referred to Mr Swann as a "fraud" in a media interview, and an online video by Sir Van in which he repeats the "dangerous" claim.

It is understood the legal action began in June.

The singer took to the stage at the dinner event at Belfast's Europa Hotel in June and addressed about 140 people after his gig was cancelled amid Covid-19 restrictions.

Robin Swann has been Northern Ireland's health minister throughout the pandemic

He was joined on stage for the chant by Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) MP Ian Paisley.

Mr Paisley later defended his actions, by saying: "What was parody, comedy, banter and sarcasm should not be blown out of all proportion."

He said he had been "put on the spot" and that he did not believe that Mr Swann, a member of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP), was dangerous.

A report of the legal action first appeared in the Sunday Life.

Last year, Sir Van accused the government of "taking our freedom" in three new songs that protest against the coronavirus lockdown.

Mr Swann described the songs as dangerous and said if the singer had scientific facts to support his claims, he should present them.

In August, Sir Van dropped a legal challenge against a blanket ban on live music in licensed venues because of coronavirus restrictions.

It followed a decision by the Stormont Executive to allow live music to resume as it eased restrictions.