A divisive doctor featured prominently at the Reform party conference used his platform to suggest that the Covid vaccine may have contributed to cancer diagnoses within the royal family.
Aseem Malhotra, a British cardiologist who has served as an adviser to U.S. health officials and is known for his skepticism toward vaccines, made the claim during a keynote speech in Birmingham, sparking audible reactions from the audience.
After outlining what he described as evidence that vaccines had caused harm, Malhotra stated he had been approached by a doctor he identified as a leading oncologist in the UK.
“He believes it is highly likely that the Covid vaccines played a role—a significant one—in the cancers affecting members of the royal family,” Malhotra said, adding that “this isn’t just his opinion; many other doctors share this view.”
The remarks were swiftly criticized by Health Secretary Wes Streeting and others.
“With vaccination rates declining and previously eradicated diseases resurging, it is deeply irresponsible for Nigel Farage to provide a stage for such harmful falsehoods,” Streeting said. “Farage should apologize and distance himself from this dangerous rhetoric.”
A representative from Cancer Research UK responded: “There is no credible evidence linking the Covid-19 vaccine to an increased risk of cancer. The vaccine remains a safe and effective way to reduce severe illness.”
Speculation had circulated earlier in the day that Malhotra might make such claims during his address. Listed in the conference program to speak on “Make Britain Healthy Again”—a phrase reminiscent of Trump-era messaging—he had faced calls from medical professionals urging Farage not to platform him.
Malhotra misstated the name of the oncologist he referenced but has previously shared an interview with TalkTV in which Angus Dalgleish, an oncologist, connected Covid vaccines to cancer cases.
Buckingham Palace, which first disclosed the king’s cancer diagnosis in February 2024, did not immediately respond. The Princess of Wales, Catherine, revealed her own diagnosis in March 2024.
Malhotra has frequently voiced doubts about Covid vaccines, arguing they pose greater risks than the virus—a claim repeatedly discredited by experts.
During his speech, he cited research discussed on a program hosted by Steve Bannon, former adviser to Trump, and claimed the public had been misled, alleging the vaccines caused deaths and injuries.
The day before, Malhotra participated in a panel at the Reform UK conference discussing free speech, where some called for Britain’s exit from the World Health Organization.
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