A controversial doctor used a keynote speech at the Reform UK party conference to claim that the Covid-19 vaccine was a significant factor in the cancer diagnoses of members of the royal family. Dr Aseem Malhotra, a British cardiologist and adviser to US health secretary Robert F Kennedy, made the remarks on the main stage in Birmingham, drawing sharp criticism from health officials and cancer charities.
Malhotra said an unnamed oncologist, whom he described as one of Britain's most eminent, had told him the vaccine was 'highly likely' to have contributed to the King's cancer. He added that 'many other doctors feel the same way'. Health Secretary Wes Streeting condemned the comments as 'shockingly irresponsible' and called on Nigel Farage to apologise and sever ties with 'dangerous extremism'.
Cancer Research UK stated there is no good evidence of a link between the Covid-19 vaccine and cancer risk, emphasising the vaccine's safety and effectiveness. Buckingham Palace declined to comment. The King's cancer diagnosis was announced in February 2024, and the Princess of Wales's in March 2024.
Malhotra, a known vaccine sceptic, spoke on the topic 'Make Britain Healthy Again' at the conference. His speech followed a fringe event where calls were made for the UK to leave the World Health Organization. The conference also saw other controversial remarks, including a call to ban the burqa from MP Sarah Pochin.
Reform UK, which is leading in some polls, sought to project professionalism at the event, but the speech threatened to generate negative headlines. Party leader Nigel Farage appealed for discipline, asking members to 'air our disagreements between each other in private'.
