UK - MPs join anti-fluoride lobby

MPs join anti-fluoride lobby
3:31pm Thursday 11th June 2009
ANTI-FLUORIDE campaigners took their protest to the corridors of power this week.
At No 10, Downing Street, members of Hampshire Against Fluoridation (HAF) handed in a petition bearing the names of the 15,000 people who had signed up to oppose plans to add fluoride to tap water supplies in Southampton and surrounding areas, including Nursling and Rownhams.
Banner-carrying campaigners then marched to the Department of Health before moving on to the Houses of Parliament to lobby MPs.
The 30 members of Hampshire Against Fluoridation received an unexpected boost when Southampton Test MP, Alan Whitehead, told the All-Parliamentary Group Against Fluoridation that he, too, believed that the unpopular fluoride plans should be put on hold.
Despite being personally in favour of fluoridation to improve children’s teeth, his calls for a rethink mirrored those of fellow city MP, John Denham.
Almost three-quarters of respondents living in the affected area were against fluoridation, while 38 per cent opposed it in a separate phone survey, compared to 32 per cent in favour.
“I don’t think the balance that was arrived at by the SHA actually stands in line with the legislation,” said Dr Whitehead. “Therefore, it would be a good idea for the implementation at least to be put on hold until there is a better balance.”
Mr Whitehead’s U-turn means all the MPs representing areas affected by the fluoridation plans are now united in calling for South Central Strategic Health Authority’s decision to be reviewed.
Romsey MP, Sandra Gidley, the Lib Dem public health spokesperson, said: “The health authority were very selective with the evidence they took account of, ignoring much good evidence which proves that fluoride is good for teeth, but doesn’t have to be put into the water.
“They also seemed to have ignored the fact that even the British Dental Association advise against giving fluoridated water to babies.
“The cost of fluoridation would also be huge. It would be far cheaper and more effective to provide toothpaste and brushes to those who can’t afford, it rather than introducing a mass medication programme.”
A delighted HAF member, Stephen Peckham, commented: “Not only did we get the chance to take 15,000 local people’s signatures up to Number 10 to show their disgust at what is happening, but we forged some really good alliances and this is a platform for taking things forward.
“Particularly, Alan was saying he’s willing to work together with the other MPs to bring this to the attention of the Department of Health and put pressure on the SHA.”
Health chiefs at the SHA unanimously backed fluoridation for nearly 200,000 homes earlier this year, in a bid to improve Southampton’s poor dental health record. The decision came after a 14-week public consultation, in which the SHA says it listened to residents and examined all the scientific evidence as it was legally required to.
But opponents say the public will was ignored.
Almost three-quarters of respondents living in the affected area were against fluoridation, while 38 per cent opposed it in a separate phone survey, compared to 32 per cent in favour.
“I don’t think the balance that was arrived at by the SHA actually stands in line with the legislation,” said Dr Whitehead.
“Therefore it would be a good idea for the implementation at least to be put on hold until there is a better balance.”