Cardiologist Allied with RFK Jr.Sparks Alarm Over Vaccine Views During U.K. Campaign Event
LONDON – A british cardiologist and ally of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ignited controversy this weekend after voicing strong anti-vaccine sentiments during a campaign event for Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform U.K. party. Dr. Aseem Malhotra‘s remarks have prompted swift condemnation from U.K. health officials, who fear the statements will exacerbate declining vaccination rates and contribute to outbreaks of preventable diseases.
Malhotra, speaking at a Reform U.K. rally, leveled harsh criticism at pharmaceutical companies, the World Health Organization, and mRNA vaccines, echoing talking points previously circulated by figures on the fringes of medical discourse. His claims included describing drug companies as “psychopathic” and alleging the WHO had been “captured” by Bill Gates. He further stated, “It is highly likely not a single person should have been injected with what is better described as a gene therapy than as a vaccine,” a claim refuted by mainstream science, as mRNA vaccines do not alter a person’s DNA.The controversy comes as U.K. health officials are already grappling with concerning drops in childhood vaccination coverage. Data released by the U.K. government shows that almost one in five children starting primary school are not fully protected against several serious diseases, leading to a resurgence of illnesses like measles and pertussis (whooping cough).
Wes Streeting, the U.K. health secretary, publicly called on Farage to apologize for providing Malhotra a platform and to “sever all ties with this hazardous extremism,” stating on social media Saturday that it was “shockingly irresponsible” given the current public health situation. Streeting warned that Malhotra’s “poisonous lies” could further erode public trust in vaccines.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services did not instantly comment Sunday. Malhotra’s focus centered on mRNA Covid vaccines, but officials warn that such attacks could fuel broader anxieties about all immunizations. Vaccine critics have frequently labeled mRNA shots as “gene therapies” to falsely suggest they change a person’s DNA.
