Dame Mary Berry, the beloved former Great British Bake Off judge, has made a clear and concise statement regarding Donald Trump’s contentious remarks about vaccines. When asked about Trump’s baseless claims linking vaccines and autism, Mary responded succinctly, emphasizing a message of trust in science and vaccination.
Earlier this year, Trump suggested a false connection between autism and vaccines as well as paracetamol use—claims thoroughly debunked by global health authorities. Such misinformation, however, can spread quickly and cause unnecessary concern.
In response to these claims, health experts and public figures worldwide have been quick to reaffirm the safety and importance of vaccines. Labour’s Health Secretary Wes Streeting stated on ITV, “I trust doctors over President Trump, frankly… there is no evidence linking paracetamol use during pregnancy to autism.”
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Mary Berry, aged 90, shared her stance with Radio Times Magazine: “I am not getting involved [in the debate], but I will have all my vaccinations that are offered to me, definitely.” Her support for vaccinations is deeply personal—Mary survived polio as a child, an illness that left lasting effects on her body. Reflecting on her experience in her 2013 autobiography, she recalled the emotional and physical challenges she faced but also expressed gratitude for the relatively mild impact.
The polio vaccine, introduced in the UK in the 1950s, is a cornerstone of the routine childhood vaccination program, credited with controlling this debilitating disease. Mary’s endorsement aligns with NHS campaigns urging parents to vaccinate their children against flu, especially as health officials report an early and aggressive flu season in the UK.
England’s Chief Nursing Officer Duncan Barton warned that flu can spread rapidly among children and vulnerable populations, increasing the urgency of vaccination. Health Minister Stephen Kinnock echoed this sentiment, sharing his personal commitment to vaccination.
Mary Berry himself will return to the spotlight tonight in “Mary at 90: A Lifetime of Cooking,” airing at 7.30 pm on BBC Two—a reminder of her resilience and continuing influence both in and out of the kitchen.