Mike Nesbitt: health minister "not in favour" of forced vaccinations

Northern Ireland's health minister has declared he does not support compulsory vaccinations.

Mike Nesbitt said he was not in favour of mandatory jabs - "even in limited and tightly prescribed circumstances."

The minister was speaking as a public consultation on a new Public Health Bill for Northern Ireland was extended by two weeks until October 14th.

The Department of Health said the extension would help maximise the number of responses on the proposed legislation.

The planned bill will replace the 1967 Public Health Act, ensuring Northern Ireland can respond to a wider range of severe threats to public health.

While the 1967 Act focused on infectious diseases, the new bill will also cover infection and contamination from biological, chemical and radiological sources. This updating of the legislation to cover all hazards will bring NI legislation into line with the rest of the UK.

Mr Nesbitt said: “I would encourage any individual, group, or organisation with a view on the consultation to submit a response ahead of the new closing date of 14 October. This is your opportunity to help shape this important legislation.

“There has been significant public interest in the consultation. As we seek to replace outdated legislation, it is important that we consider all options. I am not in favour of mandatory vaccination even in limited and tightly prescribed circumstances. Nevertheless, it is right that we have a public conversation about all potential options in the public consultation, as we decide what should be in the final Bill to protect us all.

“Unfortunately, there has been some misunderstanding about the planned new bill.

“Any draft legislation emerging from the consultation must go through the Northern Ireland Assembly's normal scrutiny processes, including a detailed review by the Health Committee and an Assembly debate followed by votes of the full Assembly.

“It is important we have vigorous debate on the proposed legislation, which is why I welcome the strong interest in the consultation.

“I am determined that the planned Bill will strike the correct balance between the state’s responsibility to protect the public’s health, our collective responsibility to protect each other, and the autonomy, rights and dignity of individuals. The public consultation process and the subsequent Assembly scrutiny processes will help us achieve that balance.”

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