Sir Keir Starmer has warned “public health isn’t a culture war” and urged parents to check their children are up to date with vaccinations after a measles outbreak.
The prime minister said it was “concerning to see more children getting measles” as Enfield, north London, recorded 34 confirmed cases between 1 January and 9 February – more than one third of the 96 cases across England so far this year.
According to a local GP surgery, one in five of the children infected in the recent outbreak needed hospital treatment “and all of them had not been fully immunised”.
At least seven schools in Enfield and Haringey have confirmed infections, with the GP surgery warning “it is spreading”.
On Tuesday, Sir Keir posted on X: “Vaccines are safe, effective and can be life saving.
“We’re urging all parents to check their children are up to date with their recommended vaccinations.”
He said the UK “expects its leaders to stand firmly behind science to protect our children, not to give oxygen to conspiracy theories”.
“Public health isn’t a culture war. It’s about keeping our communities safe,” he added.
Measles is a highly infectious viral illness that can spread very easily among people – both children and adults – who are not fully vaccinated.
The virus causes cold-like symptoms, a rash and spots in the mouth.
While many people recover, the illness can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, brain inflammation and, in rare cases, long-term disability or even death.
The UKHSA has warned modelling of a large-scale measles outbreak in London could lead to between 40,000 to 160,000 infections.
The modelling released in a report titled “Risk assessment for measles resurgence in the UK” estimated that hospitalisation rates would range from 20% to 40% depending on age.
Read more: What are the…
