This House Would Make Vaccinations Mandatory | Cambridge Union

This Debate will be broadcast from the Debating Chamber at 8pm on Thursday 17th October 2024. In the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, vaccine scepticism, misinformation, and concerns about bodily autonomy remain widespread. Amid recent surges of measles in the UK and lower childhood vaccination coverage for some vaccines, this debate will examine whether mandatory vaccination could be the solution. Results: Ayes - 159 Abstain - 57 Noes - 133 Proposition: PROFESSOR JONATHON HEENEY Jonathan Heeney is a Canadian Infectious Disease scholar and is the Professor of Comparative Pathology at the University of Cambridge. He has spun a small Biotech company out of the University in 2017 to make a new generation of safe and more effective vaccines to prevent future pandemics. Jonathan is a fellow of Darwin College and was formerly co-vice-master of the college. PROFESSOR OCTÁVIO FERRAZ Professor Octávio Ferraz is a Professor of Law at King’s College London and Co-Director of the Transnational Law Institute. Before joining King’s, he was a senior research officer to the UN special rapporteur for the right to health. He previously practised corporate and medical law in Brazil for over ten years. Opposition: HELEN BEDFORD Professor Helen Bedford is a Professor of Children’s Health at University College London, coming from a background in nursing and health visiting. Her research is focused on childhood vaccination and she acts as a vaccine communication for TV, radio, and other media. She is an expert spokesperson for the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. EARL JESSE Earl Jesse is the Deputy Leader of the Freedom Alliance Political Party, which developed in 2020 in opposition to the government’s Covid-19 response. He has campaigned extensively against lockdown restrictions and vaccine mandates, and works as a self-defence instructor. He stood as a parliamentary candidate in the 2024 general election for Newbury. ............................................................................................................................ Connect with us on: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter: LinkedIn: