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Reform UK Candidate Claims Vaccines Link to Cancer, Experts Disagree

4/18/2026

25 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Professor Angus Dalgleish is running as a Reform UK candidate in the Sutton ward of North Cheam after claiming Covid vaccines likely contributed to Royal Family cancers.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer emphasized vaccination.
Cancer Research UK and experts, including Professor Brian Ferguson, say there is no credible evidence linking Covid vaccines to cancer.
Dalgleish is a former UKIP member, and Reform UK distanced itself from his views.

History

Historical Context

The skepticism surrounding COVID-19 vaccines in 2021 echoes past vaccine controversies, such as the MMR vaccine scare in the early 2000s, which caused a 20% drop in vaccination rates. Misinformation on social media has fueled vaccine hesitancy, with studies showing that exposure to such content can significantly reduce individuals' intent to vaccinate, complicating public health efforts to maintain trust in vaccination programs.

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Story summary

Professor Angus Dalgleish is running as a Reform UK candidate in the Sutton ward of North Cheam after claiming Covid vaccines likely contributed to Royal Family cancers.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer emphasized vaccination.
Cancer Research UK and experts, including Professor Brian Ferguson, say there is no credible evidence linking Covid vaccines to cancer.
Dalgleish is a former UKIP member, and Reform UK distanced itself from his views.

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