10 scientists in U-turn on 'unfounded' MMR

Ten of the 13 scientists whose research into the MMR vaccine first sparked fears of a link with autism now say the claims are unfounded.

The authors of the 1998 paper, published in The Lancet, say there is "no causal link" between the triple jab and the disorder in children.

Their statement read: "We wish to make it clear that in this paper no causal link was established between the MMR vaccine and autism as the data were insufficient.

"However, the possibility of a link was raised and consequent events have had major implications for public health. We consider now is the appropriate time that we should together formally retract the interpretation placed upon these findings in the paper."

Public outcry over the suggested association between MMR and autism led to vaccination rates plummeting to 60 per cent in some regions. The Government faced growing demands to provide single vaccines as an alternative for worried parents.

But ministers have so far refused to license single jabs and continue to insist that MMR is safe.

The team of scientists, who were working for the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead at the time of the paper's publication, added that their discovery of a new type of bowel disease in autistic children remains valid. They said new research had been produced as further evidence of this.