http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3155538.stm
MMR legal bid blocked
MMR jab is highly controversial
Campaigners have had to shelve plans for legal action over the
controversial measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.
The High Court was due to hear the cases of more than 1,000 children
who developed medical problems after having the jab.
But the campaigners were unable to overturn a decision to deny them
legal aid.
Most scientists believe the vaccine is safe despite fears of a link
to autism and bowel disorders.
The decision will only confirm the view that the combined powers of
government and drug companies are working against vaccine victims
receiving justice
Jackie Fletcher
And the Legal Services Commission (LSC) decided in the absence of any
scientific proof of a link, that the legal action - against the drug
companies who manufacture the vaccine - stood little chance of
success.
It said it would be wrong to spend £10m of public money pursuing the
cases.
The children involved in the court cases suffered disabilities such
as autism, bowel problems, epilepsy and other learning difficulties.
JABS, which supports parents of vaccine-damaged children, described
the decision to deny legal aid was "illogical, perverse and not in
the public interest".
National co-ordinator Jackie Fletcher said: "The decision to halt the
cases now, following the provision of new evidence in support of the
children's cases, will only confirm the view that the combined powers
of government and drug companies are working against vaccine victims
receiving justice."
Vital cases
Ms Fletcher, whose 11-year-old son developed epilepsy and other
problems after having the MMR jab, added: "These families believe
their children are vaccine-damaged and need to know why their
children's lives changed so dramatically within such a short time of
the MMR vaccine being given if it wasn't the vaccine.
"The MMR court cases were vital not only to the families involved in
the pursuit of justice for their children, but for all parents who
are concerned about whether the vaccines they are giving their
healthy children are safe."
This litigation is very unlikely to prove their suspicions
Clare Dodgson
Ms Fletcher said the UK's vaccine damage compensation scheme was
wholly inadequate.
Solicitors Alexander Harris, representing the families involved in
the MMR battle, expressed disappointment at the ruling.
A spokesman said: "We have been fighting these cases for a number of
years and despite many difficulties the evidence has continued to
strengthen - and has the support of the international team of experts
advising us in the cases.
"We strongly believe in these cases and will be doing our utmost to
continue to move this litigation and the issues forward."
Long shot
Clare Dodgson, LSC chief executive, said: "I appreciate that this
decision will come as a great disappointment to the parents involved.
"I sympathise with their situation. Their children are clearly ill
and they genuinely believe the MMR vaccine caused their illnesses.
"However, this litigation is very unlikely to prove their suspicions.
"It would be wrong to raise their hopes unreasonably by proceeding
with this litigation."
The LSC has already spent £15m on research into the cases. This would
now be submitted to the Medical Research Council, who are looking at
the causes of autism.
The Department of Health said they hoped the LSC's decision
would "draw a line" under the MMR issue.
A spokesman said: "We want to see parents given the facts about MMR -
that there is no credible scientific evidence showing an association
between MMR and autism."
"It remains the best form of protection for your child."