Measles Cases

Lord Carlile of Berriew Excerpts

Monday 22nd January 2024 Lords Chamber

[Lord Evans of Rainow (Con)]

I wholeheartedly agree; the noble Baroness raises a very important point. It is a decision for parents to make about their child. However, when that child goes to school, it is also about the children within their class and wider society. As I said in a previous answer, we have lost the collective memory of what a terrible disease it is for those young people. As outlined by the noble Baroness, it is really quite simple. I say again to anybody with young children who have not been vaccinated, or who thinks they have not been vaccinated: contact your GP and arrange a vaccination visit.

[Lord Carlile of Berriew (CB)]

My Lords, in Germany children cannot attend school if they have not had a measles vaccination. In France, Italy and some other countries, such vaccinations are compulsory. Will the Government introduce such legislation here?

[Lord Evans of Rainow (Con)]

The noble Lord asks a very good question. That is how Germany and France deal with their children; this is Britain. I will take the noble Lord’s suggestion to the department and will write to him.