Jacob Rees-Mogg apologises for comparing doctor to disgraced anti-vaxxer

Jacob Rees-Mogg has apologised to an NHS consultant for comparing him to a disgraced anti-vaxxer in a row over Brexit.

The leader of the Commons has been facing an intense backlash for his remarks about neurologist Dr David Nicholl.

Mr Rees-Mogg compared the distinguished doctor, who warned that a no-deal Brexit could lead to more deaths, to Andrew Wakefield. Dr Wakefield started a bogus scare about the MMR vaccine and was later struck off the medical register.

Following the backlash from a number of MPs, Mr Rees-Mogg has apologised for the comment he made in the Commons. He said: “I apologise to Dr Nicholl for the comparison with Dr Wakefield.

“I have the utmost respect for all of the country’s hardworking medical professionals and the work they do in caring for the people of this country.

“The Government is working closely with the NHS, industry and distributors to help ensure the supply of medicine and medical products remains uninterrupted once we leave the EU on October 31, whatever the circumstances.”

It follows after a bitter clash earlier this week when Dr Nicholl, a consultant neurologist with Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, called an LBC phone-in show and asked the leader of the Commons what mortality rate he would accept if the UK were to leave the EU without a deal.

The Commons Leader said: “I’m afraid it seems to me that Dr David Nichol is as irresponsible as Dr Wakefield.

“What he had to say – I will repeat it – is as irresponsible as Dr Wakefield, in threatening that people will die because we leave the European Union.

“What level of responsibility was that?” he added

Dr Nicholl was asked by Theresa May’s government to help draw up the Operation Yellowstone document, predicting shortages of medicines, food and fuel after a crash-out Brexit.

Dr Wakefield was struck off the medical register for unethical behaviour after his discredited research linked autism to the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine and prompted many parents to stop their children being immunised.

Responding on Twitter, Dr Nicholl said: “I have just heard of this alleged story just now. I will be seeking professional legal advice.”

Responding to Mr Rees-Mogg’s comments, Dr Sarah Wollaston, the former Tory, now Liberal Democrat, MP said Mr Rees-Mogg would be sued if he had made the comments outside the Commons.

Former foreign office and international development minister Alastair Burt joined a number of MPs in criticising Jacob Rees-Mogg for his comments.

He tweeted: “As a former Minister fully aware of the worldwide risks to health security from Wakefield’s anti-vax consequences, I am distressed such a comparison could come from a Government Minister in the U.K.

“The Brexit obsession is giving rise to sheer irrationality.”