The latest Reform UK conference in Birmingham quickly became the centre of a heated debate after one speaker made explosive claims about Covid vaccines and the health of the royal family.
Nigel Farage, the party’s leader, faced immediate calls to cut ties with the controversial figure following remarks that alarmed health experts and politicians alike.
Dr Aseem Malhotra Makes Bold Vaccine Claims
Dr Aseem Malhotra, a cardiologist known for his vaccine-sceptic views, told the audience that Covid-19 vaccines could be linked to cancer in the King and Princess of Wales.
Speaking at the NEC on Saturday, Malhotra described himself as a friend of US health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has previously sparked controversy in America with similar claims.
Malhotra said he had spoken with Professor Angus Dalgliesh, a leading oncologist, who allegedly believes that the vaccines can interfere with genes.
“It may be a risk factor for cancer,” Malhotra told attendees, claiming that “many other doctors feel the same way.”
He added: “It’s highly likely that the Covid vaccines have been a factor, a significant factor, in the cancer of members of the royal family,” quoting Dalgliesh’s alleged views.
Experts Push Back on Vaccine-Cancer Link
Medical professionals were quick to dismiss the claims.
Leading academics and oncologists have previously rejected suggestions that Covid vaccines cause cancer, including the so-called “turbo cancers.”
Cancer Research UK stated there is “no” evidence linking any Covid-19 vaccines to cancer.
Similarly, Blood Cancer UK emphasised that “there are no controlled, large-scale studies… that demonstrate an increased cancer risk following Covid-19 vaccination.”
Speech Sparks Wider Conspiracy Theories
During his 15-minute talk, Malhotra also suggested that taking the Covid vaccine posed more risk than the virus itself.
He warned: “It is highly likely that not a single person should have been injected with this.”
Malhotra claimed that the World Health Organisation had been “captured” by Bill Gates and called for the organisation to be replaced.
Political Leaders Demand Action from Farage
The comments prompted a swift political response.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting called on Nigel Farage to apologise and “sever all ties with this dangerous extremism.”
Streeting highlighted the broader public health risks, noting falling vaccination rates and the resurgence of previously controlled diseases.
Liberal Democrat MP Helen Morgan also condemned the remarks, describing Reform UK as “a threat to our health” and warning against giving the party influence over the NHS.
Reform UK Responds on Free Speech Grounds
In response, a Reform UK spokesperson clarified that Dr Malhotra was invited as a guest speaker with his own opinions and an advisory role in the US government.
“Reform UK does not endorse what he said but does believe in free speech,” the statement read.