Keir Starmer has strongly criticized Reform for spreading “dangerous” conspiracy theories related to vaccines that he believes have a detrimental impact on public health.
Addressing concerns in the Parliament, Starmer expressed distrust towards Nigel Farage and his associates, suggesting they are unreliable when it comes to matters concerning the National Health Service (NHS). His remarks followed an incident where a speaker, invited by Reform, implied a connection between Covid vaccines and cancer diagnoses among members of the Royal Family.
Responding to a query by Labour backbencher Dr. Simon Opher, a former GP turned MP, Starmer emphasized the harmful effects of such false narratives, emphasizing the importance of trusting credible sources like the NHS. He highlighted the successful vaccination of half a million children against chickenpox as a positive step.
Dr. Opher, drawing on his medical expertise, highlighted the historical significance of vaccinations in his constituency and called for continued efforts to protect children through immunization programs. He also urged the Prime Minister to provide updates on the ongoing chickenpox vaccination campaign and to condemn any political parties promoting misinformation about vaccines.
In his response, Starmer commended Labour’s efforts in safeguarding children through vaccination initiatives and criticized Reform for endorsing individuals who make unfounded claims linking vaccines to cancer. He pointed out that a key figure in Reform’s health policies had made baseless assertions regarding the safety of vaccines, further undermining their credibility.
During a recent Reform UK conference, Dr. Aseem Malhotra made controversial statements suggesting a possible link between Covid vaccines and cancer diagnoses within the Royal Family. Despite these claims, independent fact-checkers have refuted any connection between Covid-19 vaccines and cancer, emphasizing the safety protocols in place to monitor vaccine efficacy.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Reform UK clarified that Dr. Malhotra’s views were his own and not officially endorsed by the party, emphasizing their commitment to freedom of speech. The spokesperson highlighted Dr. Malhotra’s advisory role in the US government but distanced the party from his controversial remarks.
This incident underscores the importance of relying on verified information and credible sources when discussing public health issues, particularly in the context of vaccination campaigns and combating misinformation.