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The Herald Scotland
6 days ago
- Health
- The Herald Scotland
The anti-vaxx conspiracists have blood on their hands
Scotland's own Neil Oliver, for instance, was a middling TV presenter until he parlayed vaccine conspiracy into international celebrity. Donald Trump's current pick for US ambassador to Malaysia is a publicity-seeker called Nick Adams. He achieved Twitter "fame" by endlessly claiming he's 'Alpha Male', telling parents to 'take your kids to Hooters', and cheering on those refusing the Covid vaccine. Finding the sweet spot where anti-vaxx messaging meets politics is a guaranteed passage to money, fame and power. Just ask GB News. The right-wing channel aired the US conspiracist Naomi Wolf comparing the vaccine rollout to 'mass murder'. When that future history of this era is written, after the chapter on the rise of the idiot, the next section should recount the consequences of their reign. Read more by Neil Mackay We see some of the profound real-world results in Britain today: a child has died in Liverpool's Alder Hey hospital after contracting measles. They were the second child to die in Britain since 2023; 17 children have been treated at Alder Hey since June. It's an agonising truth, but such deaths were all but unavoidable given the damage caused by widespread dissemination of anti-vaccine conspiracy in Britain. Millions of children worldwide are at risk of death and illness due to declining vaccination rates, according to the World Health Organization and Unicef. Britain has the worst vaccine level for MMR – against measles, mumps and rubella – in the G7. The required rate is 95%. In Britain, only 89% of children received the jab in 2024. In Germany, it was 96%. In France, Italy and Japan 95%. Even in America, where Covid conspiracy runs riot, rates were higher at 92%. Rates for the second MMR dose fall to 85% in Britain. In the pre-Covid years, around 93% got their MMR jab. The picture of vaccine take-up in Britain is complex, and differs depending on vaccine. There's wide regional variation. For the six-in-one vaccine – covering diphtheria, hepatitis B, haemophilus influenzae type B, polio, tetanus and whooping cough – London is nine per cent lower at 86.2% than the highest coverage in north-east England with 95.2%. Scotland and Wales have better coverage with the six-in-one, hitting the 95% target in some cases. However, overall Scotland has witnessed long-term declines in the uptake of all primary and booster childhood vaccinations, Public Health Scotland says. The journal Community Practitioner, which covers issues related to the work of community practitioners and health visitors, reported in March last year that in Scotland there had been 'declines in MMR, both the 5-in-1 and 6-in-1, rotavirus, MenB, PCV [pneumococcal], and Hib/MenC. 'For MMR 2 by age five, only two regions (Angus and East Dunbartonshire) hit the 95% uptake target, and the lowest uptake was in Aberdeen with 83.1%. Two (unrelated) cases of measles were reported last year [2023], in October.' With MMR, Britain never recovered from the Andrew Wakefield scandal. Wakefield was the doctor behind false claims linking MMR to autism. The claims were given front page treatment by gullible journalists. Wakefield was eventually struck off in 2010. The scandal left Britain extremely vulnerable to anti-vaccine conspiracy. Many journalists who amplified Covid conspiracies had pushed Wakefield's nonsense to the top of the news agenda in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Back then, however, the media landscape was radically different. A few foolish hacks regurgitating nonsense were as nothing compared to the tsunami of conspiracy which would wash across the internet during Covid. Donald Trump, who rode to power on the back of conspiracies related to Covid and QAnon, installed the vaccine conspiracist Robert Kennedy Jnr as his Secretary of State for Health. This month, there's around 1,300 Americans infected with measles. Three have died. Joe Rogan, whose podcast has a global audience of around 15 million, has pushed anti-vaxx nonsense. Remarkably, this former mixed martial arts commentator and comedian is one of the most influential media figures on Earth. As I said: in the age of idiocracy, idiots rule. Rogan has made comments including: 'If you're like 21 years old, and you say to me, should I get vaccinated? I'll go no.' He once claimed his show had been cancelled in Vancouver because Canada required proof of vaccination during Covid for live events. 'I'm not gonna get vaccinated. I have antibodies, it doesn't make sense,' he said. When Rogan contracted Covid, he told the world that he was taking the drug invermectin, used to treat parasite infection and proven to be ineffective against the virus. At one stage, 270 scientists wrote to Spotify, which distributes Rogan's show, citing 'false and societally harmful assertions'. They asked Spotify to 'establish a clear and public policy to moderate misinformation'. A child with a measle rash (Image: PA) Before the US election, JD Vance appeared on Rogan's show and voiced scepticism about the Covid vaccine. When the most powerful people on the planet speak on the most widely listened-to show on Earth run by the most significant media figure in the world, then real-life consequences are inevitable. We can see that now, with deaths and disease which could have been prevented if vaccine conspiracists hadn't fed unfounded fears. It's important to note that often those suffering in current outbreaks are themselves at no fault – indeed many are victims of the conspiracists. Renae Archer, from Manchester, died in 2023 after complications from contracting measles as a baby. Her mother Rebecca now campaigns for parents to have their children vaccinated. 'If other people were vaccinated, Renae might not have got the measles in the first place,' she said. 'She was only five months old.' At such an age, Renae was too young for her vaccination when she was infected by others. Once the future history of this era is written, after the chapter on the rise of the idiots and the real-life consequences of their reign, one hopes the book closes with an account of how these fools were called to a reckoning for what they did in pursuit of fame, money and power. Every unnecessary death is on them. Neil Mackay is The Herald's Writer at Large. He's a multi-award-winning investigative journalist, author of both fiction and non-fiction, and a filmmaker and broadcaster. He specialises in intelligence, security, crime, social affairs, cultural commentary, and foreign and domestic politics.
The National
27-06-2025
- Politics
- The National
Neil Oliver quietly dropped from Glasgow tour bus after backlash
Oliver provided English language commentary for tourists on board the City Sightseeing Glasgow buses, which featured a picture of his face on the side of the vehicles. Four years after calls were made to remove Oliver from the City Sightseeing services, it seems that he has finally been dropped. READ MORE: This is why an independent Scotland should stay well away from Nato The firm's website no longer contains any information regarding his English-language narration, and eagle-eyed Glaswegians noticed his portrait is not featured on the buses anymore. Though the same sentence has been removed from the City Sightseeing information page, Visit Scotland's website still says "our English recorded commentary is provided by renowned historian Neil Oliver", suggesting that this removal has been done quietly. City Sightseeing Glasgow was urged to drop Oliver, who has narrated the service since 2012, following his comments on GB News regarding pandemic-era lockdowns and vaccines, and his remarks on a potential second independence referendum. Conspiracy theorist and former TV host Neil Oliver (Image: GB News) Most recently, the GB News presenter has been criticised for indulging in conspiracy theories on his YouTube channel and had a video blocked by the platform over his use of antisemitic language. Otto English, author of Fake History, told The National: "Given Neil Oliver's long journey into conspiracy and irrelevance, I'm simply flabbergasted that it didn't happen years ago. "I hope Glasgow gets the commentator it deserves in his place." He left his previous role as president for the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) amid a row over his expression of admiration for race-row historian David Starkey, though he claimed the decision to step down was due to the end of his three-year tenure. He faced backlash during his time with NTS for his support of the Union and describing a second independence referendum as 'cancerous'. Oliver was blasted by former Glasgow Kelvin MSP Sandra White for his Covid jibes during the pandemic, calling lockdowns the 'biggest mistake in world history' and saying he'd happily risk catching the virus. READ MORE: Keir Starmer suggests he didn't read through 'island of strangers' speech White previously told The National that Oliver should 'absolutely not' be allowed to lead commentary on the tours and called for an end to any potential contract the firm had with him. Given his fierce pro-Union stance, his authority to narrate historic tours of Glasgow was also called into question, considering that Glasgow voted Yes to the 2014 referendum. West Coast Motors, the firm who operate the City Sightseeing Glasgow buses, has been approached for comment.
The National
27-06-2025
- Politics
- The National
Neil Oliver quietly dropped from Glasgow tour buses
Oliver provided English language commentary for tourists on board the City Sightseeing Glasgow buses, which featured a picture of his face on the side of the vehicles. Four years after calls were made to remove Oliver from the City Sightseeing services, it seems that he has finally been dropped. READ MORE: This is why an independent Scotland should stay well away from Nato The firm's website no longer contains any information regarding his English-language narration, and eagle-eyed Glaswegians noticed his portrait is not featured on the buses anymore. Though the same sentence has been removed from the City Sightseeing information page, Visit Scotland's website still says "our English recorded commentary is provided by renowned historian Neil Oliver", suggesting that this removal has been done quietly. City Sightseeing Glasgow were urged to drop Oliver, who has narrated the service since 2012, following his comments on GB News regarding pandemic-era lockdowns and vaccines, and his remarks on a potential second independence referendum. Most recently, the GB News presenter has been criticised for indulging in conspiracy theories on his YouTube channel and had a video blocked by the platform over his use of anti-Semitic language. He left his previous role as president for the National Trust for Scotland (NTS) amid a row over his expression of admiration for David Starkey, though he claimed the decision to step down was due to the end of his three-year contract. He faced backlash during his time with NTS for his support of the Union and describing a second independence referendum as 'cancerous'. Oliver was blasted by former Glasgow Kelvin MSP Sandra White for his Covid jibes, calling lockdowns the 'biggest mistake in world history' and saying he'd happily risk catching the virus. READ MORE: Keir Starmer suggests he didn't read through 'island of strangers' speech White previously told The National that Oliver should 'absolutely not' be allowed to lead commentary on the tours and called for an end to any potential contract the firm had with him. Given his fierce pro-Union stance, his authority to narrate historic tours of Glasgow was also called into question, considering that Glasgow voted Yes to the 2014 referendum. West Coast Motors, the firm who operate the City Sightseeing Glasgow buses, have been approached for comment.
The Herald Scotland
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Surely King Creosote is allowed to have his own opinions?
Anderson sang the praises of several right-leaning showbiz controversialists such as Mel Gibson and Eric Clapton – and TV presenter Neil Oliver - prompting critics to ask two central questions; whatever happened to the days when pop stars led the protest vote on behalf of the ordinary person? And in these days of cancel culture, is it clever to voice a political opinion that even Donald Trump supporters would stay clear of? A generation or two ago, we delighted in hearing John Lennon sing Give Peace A Chance, because we all knew the Vietnam War was rancid. And who didn't support Jane Fonda when 'Hanoi Jane' was vilified by American Republicans. Over the years we've heard the liberal protest voice amplified by the likes of Dylan and Springsteen, the Dixie Chicks and Taylor Swift. Read more on King Creosote Those on the right have long wailed into the microphone too. James Cagney was a friend of Ronald Reagan who saw hippies as 'functionless creatures". Charlton Heston and John Wayne were also Good Old Boys who believed guns to be a force for good. And in more recent years the voice of conservatism has been carried loud and clear by Pink Floyd's Roger Waters, Tony Hadley, Lulu and Geri Halliwell. Yet, in these days of polarised opinions and social media pile-ons, is it wise to be too vocal? Sir Elton John, in cautious voice, admits he's left leaning. 'If I was to say what I am, I'd be a Labour man. And in America I'd definitely be a Democrat; I'd never be a Republican. But I just want people to vote for things that are just, things that are important to people; the right to choose, the right to be who you are, and not let anybody else tell you who to be.' PR guru Mark Borkowski supports the argument for artists putting their own message out there – if the cause is right. 'Once upon a time music was synonymous with political dissent. I knew of Peter Paul and Mary primarily through Ed 'Stewpot' Stewart and Puff the Magic Dragon: but for an entire coffee house generation these guys owed their cred as much to their political attitudes and moral and ethical outlook as to their music.' He adds; 'Maybe the rock icons of this age are toothless tigers, a bunch of easy-living no-goods whose rage is all front, a force for nothing bar their own inflated incomes and egos. In which case, forget it, dismiss the Dylans, Seegers, Geldofs, Bonos and other humanitarian rock crusaders as unfortunate blips in musical history, and let's get on with selling the T-shirts.' King Creosote referred to Neil Oliver as 'one of the best guys' (Image: free) Billy Bragg or Paul Weller will sing out their lefty stance from the rooftops. As will Alice Cooper on the right. However, while Bruce Springsteen may be America's blue-collar representative on stage, the Boss suggests caution when it comes to proselytizing. 'The more you do it, your two cents becomes one cent and then no cents whatsoever,' he maintains. 'So, I think your credibility and your impact lessens the more you do it. That's why I've been hesitant to overplay my hand in that area, and I generally come to service when I feel it's kind of necessary and it might help a little bit." Is that what it's about? Measuring mood - and yet still being true to your convictions? Lulu didn't seem to measure the mood in Scotland when the former tenement baby revealed herself a Thatcherite. However, the singer from Dennistoun's record sales didn't nosedive as a result. And actor Vince Vaughn's career didn't suffer a nosebleed, in spite of becoming a Trumpeteer in recent years. Yet, supporting a mainstream political party is one thing, but when you align yourself with extreme thought – a clear example being Mel Gibson's apology for anti-Semitic ranting during his arrest for drink-driving – or tie into conspiracy theories - then your career could be headed for the toilet. PR professional James Nickerson argues that if artists feel strongly about being political, they need to be aware of the potential fallout. 'Artists really have to be sure enough in their belief that if they lose some of their fan base, they will be okay with that.' That doesn't seem to be the case with The Smiths former frontman Morrissey, who once wore a For Britain badge, (a right-wing political party Nigel Farage believed to be made up of 'Nazis and racists'), declared reggae to be 'the most racist music in the world' and defended Harvey Weinstein. The singer later admitted to fans in the US; "As you know, nobody will release my music anymore.' John Wayne was a well-known right-winger (Image: free) So, it's fine to air views, if it's to demand civil rights, or demand the end to wars or battle the gun lobby. But when you cross the line, as actor Laurence Fox seems to have done when making statements such as 'The wokeists are fundamentally a racist bunch' then there's a real chance you can find yourself looking for a new line of work. Yet, we don't want our artists' mouths to be taped up. I once interviewed the icon that is Smokey Robinson and Smokey didn't want to talk about early Motown days or offer thoughts on romancing Diana Ross. All he wanted to talk about for two long hours was Jesus and how God found him. And it was apparent that God hadn't given Robinson the gift of self-awareness. But at least the interview ended with an understanding of the man. And doesn't that signal that even if we don't agree with the voices of the likes of King Creosote it's better to know what a performer actually thinks? What we've also got to consider is that most people who complain about an artist's expression of their views are just upset because they don't agree with their own. So, let's hear the voices from the ends of the spectrum.
The Herald Scotland
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Surely King Creosote is allowed to have his own opinion?
Anderson sang the praises of several right-leaning showbiz controversialists such as Mel Gibson and Eric Clapton – and TV presenter Neil Oliver - prompting critics to ask two central questions; whatever happened to the days when pop stars led the protest vote on behalf of the ordinary person? And in these days of cancel culture, is it clever to voice a political opinion that even Donald Trump supporters would stay clear of? A generation or two ago, we delighted in hearing John Lennon sing Give Peace A Chance, because we all knew the Vietnam War was rancid. And who didn't support Jane Fonda when 'Hanoi Jane' was vilified by American Republicans. Over the years we've heard the liberal protest voice amplified by the likes of Dylan and Springsteen, the Dixie Chicks and Taylor Swift. Read more on King Creosote Those on the right have long wailed into the microphone too. James Cagney was a friend of Ronald Reagan who saw hippies as 'functionless creatures". Charlton Heston and John Wayne were also Good Old Boys who believed guns to be a force for good. And in more recent years the voice of conservatism has been carried loud and clear by Pink Floyd's Roger Waters, Tony Hadley, Lulu and Geri Halliwell. Yet, in these days of polarised opinions and social media pile-ons, is it wise to be too vocal? Sir Elton John, in cautious voice, admits he's left leaning. 'If I was to say what I am, I'd be a Labour man. And in America I'd definitely be a Democrat; I'd never be a Republican. But I just want people to vote for things that are just, things that are important to people; the right to choose, the right to be who you are, and not let anybody else tell you who to be.' PR guru Mark Borkowski supports the argument for artists putting their own message out there – if the cause is right. 'Once upon a time music was synonymous with political dissent. I knew of Peter Paul and Mary primarily through Ed 'Stewpot' Stewart and Puff the Magic Dragon: but for an entire coffee house generation these guys owed their cred as much to their political attitudes and moral and ethical outlook as to their music.' He adds; 'Maybe the rock icons of this age are toothless tigers, a bunch of easy-living no-goods whose rage is all front, a force for nothing bar their own inflated incomes and egos. In which case, forget it, dismiss the Dylans, Seegers, Geldofs, Bonos and other humanitarian rock crusaders as unfortunate blips in musical history, and let's get on with selling the T-shirts.' King Creosote referred to Neil Oliver as 'one of the best guys' (Image: free) Billy Bragg or Paul Weller will sing out their lefty stance from the rooftops. As will Alice Cooper on the right. However, while Bruce Springsteen may be America's blue-collar representative on stage, the Boss suggests caution when it comes to proselytizing. 'The more you do it, your two cents becomes one cent and then no cents whatsoever,' he maintains. 'So, I think your credibility and your impact lessens the more you do it. That's why I've been hesitant to overplay my hand in that area, and I generally come to service when I feel it's kind of necessary and it might help a little bit." Is that what it's about? Measuring mood - and yet still being true to your convictions? Lulu didn't seem to measure the mood in Scotland when the former tenement baby revealed herself a Thatcherite. However, the singer from Dennistoun's record sales didn't nosedive as a result. And actor Vince Vaughn's career didn't suffer a nosebleed, in spite of becoming a Trumpeteer in recent years. Yet, supporting a mainstream political party is one thing, but when you align yourself with extreme thought – a clear example being Mel Gibson's apology for anti-Semitic ranting during his arrest for drink-driving – or tie into conspiracy theories - then your career could be headed for the toilet. PR professional James Nickerson argues that if artists feel strongly about being political, they need to be aware of the potential fallout. 'Artists really have to be sure enough in their belief that if they lose some of their fan base, they will be okay with that.' That doesn't seem to be the case with The Smiths former frontman Morrissey, who once wore a For Britain badge, (a right-wing political party Nigel Farage believed to be made up of 'Nazis and racists'), declared reggae to be 'the most racist music in the world' and defended Harvey Weinstein. The singer later admitted to fans in the US; "As you know, nobody will release my music anymore.' John Wayne was a well-known right-winger (Image: free) So, it's fine to air views, if it's to demand civil rights, or demand the end to wars or battle the gun lobby. But when you cross the line, as actor Laurence Fox seems to have done when making statements such as 'The wokeists are fundamentally a racist bunch' then there's a real chance you can find yourself looking for a new line of work. Yet, we don't want our artists' mouths to be taped up. I once interviewed the icon that is Smokey Robinson and Smokey didn't want to talk about early Motown days or offer thoughts on romancing Diana Ross. All he wanted to talk about for two long hours was Jesus and how God found him. And it was apparent that God hadn't given Robinson the gift of self-awareness. But at least the interview ended with an understanding of the man. And doesn't that signal that even if we don't agree with the voices of the likes of King Creosote it's better to know what a performer actually thinks? What we've also got to consider is that most people who complain about an artist's expression of their views are just upset because they don't agree with their own. So, let's hear the voices from the ends of the spectrum.
