If you go down the referral route, the email has completely different terms (3 months free), but the application link gives you the free first year and the terms are a bit more specific:
1. You will receive 22,000 Membership Rewards points when you spend and charge £1,000 to your Card within the first three months of Cardmembership. The annual fee is £125. With this offer, you will receive the first year of Cardmembership free of charge. From year two of your membership, a £125 annual fee will automatically be charged to your account on or after the anniversary of your account opening date. The 22,000 Membership Rewards points and ‘First Year Free’ offer are only available to new American Express Charge Cardmembers. Please note, this offer is subject to change.