Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has accused Reform UK of spreading “dangerous” vaccine conspiracy theories, warning that such claims “cost lives” and show the party cannot be trusted with the NHS.
The Labour leader’s attack came after Reform gave a platform to Dr Aseem Malhotra at its party conference. Dr Malhotra suggested Covid-19 vaccines were a “significant factor” in cancer diagnoses among members of the Royal Family — claims dismissed by experts as baseless.
Speaking in the Commons, Starmer was challenged by Stroud MP and former GP Dr Simon Opher, who urged him to condemn “false rumours” around vaccination.
Dr Opher highlighted the historic role of his Berkeley constituency in the development of vaccines, adding that he had personally administered “literally thousands” of jabs during his medical career.
He asked the Prime Minister to reaffirm support for the UK’s vaccine programme, including the rollout of the new chickenpox vaccination for children, while condemning political parties “that give platforms for people who spread false rumours.”
Starmer replied: “These dangerous conspiracies cost lives and it shows that Reform can’t be trusted with our NHS. I am proud that Labour are protecting half a million children by rolling out the chickenpox vaccine. In stark contrast, the man who wrote Reform’s health policies has made shocking and baseless claims that vaccines are linked to cancer and has been endorsed by the Reform leader.”
Dr Malhotra told Reform supporters that “nobody is immune to medical misinformation,” quoting oncologist Professor Angus Dalgleish as claiming vaccines could be linked to royal cancer diagnoses. He later confirmed to the Mirror he was referring to the Princess of Wales’ illness. Both the King and the Princess have revealed cancer diagnoses in recent months.
However, independent fact-checkers and regulators insist there is no evidence linking Covid-19 vaccines to cancer. Full Fact has repeatedly debunked the claim, while the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) continues to monitor vaccine safety.
A Reform UK spokesperson distanced the party from Dr Malhotra’s remarks, saying: “Dr Aseem Malhotra is a guest speaker with his own opinions who has an advisory role in the US government. Reform UK does not endorse what he said but does believe in free speech.”