Blair speaks out on MMR furore

The Blairs say they fully support the MMR vaccination.

The prime minister has hit out at two Sunday newspapers for "horrible and unjustified" reporting into whether his young son has been given the MMR jab.

But in a statement issued by Downing Street on Saturday, Mr Blair gave his strongest hint so far that 19-month-old Leo had received the controversial triple vaccination.

For the record, Cherie and I both entirely support the advice as we have consistently said throughout

Tony Blair

Mr Blair said: "The suggestion that the government is advising parents to have the MMR jab whilst we are deliberately refraining from giving our child the treatment because we know it is dangerous, is offensive beyond belief."

It is understood members of Mrs Blair's family have been approached by reporters trying to ascertain whether Leo Blair has been immunised.

Mr Blair added: "For the record, Cherie and I both entirely support the advice as we have consistently said throughout.

"It is not true that we believe the MMR vaccine to be dangerous or believe that it is better to have separate injections, or believe that it is linked to autism.

"On the contrary, the vaccine which is used throughout the world, helps prevent the spread of diseases that can, if contracted, cause very serious damage to children."

Leadership

Mr Blair stressed that the reason he and his wife had refused to say whether their son had received the jab was to protect his privacy.

They believe that if they comment on one issue concerning one of their children they will be pressurised into commenting on everything from teenage alcohol abuse to underage sex.

However some critics have said that the prime minister has already brought members of his family into his political career on several occasions.

Last week his wife, Cherie, was involved in a press conference about the plight of women in Afghanistan and in 1999 Mr Blair said the controversial Millennium Dome would have to pass the "Euan test".

Other cabinet members, including Alan Milburn, have also refused to comment on whether their children have received the MMR vaccination.

Health minister Yvette Cooper, however, has said her child has received the treatment.

Dr Ian Gibson, MP, who earlier this week said he believed ministers should show leadership on the issue.

He said: "There is a very difficult battle and argument going on in terms of protection of information and where you draw the line.

"But it is important to let the public know that there are people we trust, including the prime minister, who have made this decision.

"And that helps people, who are confused about the issue, take a decision which is very important for their children."