HEALTH Secretary Andy Burnham has stepped down from his role as Vice President of the British Fluoridation Society, the Department of Health announced tonight.
The move was taken to avoid any perceived conflict of interest, it said.
A spokeswoman for the Department of Health said: ”Andy Burnham has held an honorary position with the British Fluoridation Society as Vice President since 2004.
”Following his appointment as Secretary of State for Health he will be relinquishing this position as he appreciates that there could be a perceived conflict of interest.
”We believe that fluoridation is a scientifically supported and effective means of addressing health inequalities by reducing tooth decay in children and adults, especially those from poorer backgrounds.
”There is no question of central Government imposing fluoridation.
”Decisions should be taken locally following consultations conducted in accordance with procedures approved by Parliament in 2005.
”The consultations should cover the benefits of fluoridation any possible risks to health and the ethical arguments for and against a population based approach to improving oral health.”
Earlier this week, campaigners fighting fluoridation in and around Southampton delivered a letter to Mr Burnham, calling on him to step in to force a rethink of the controversial scheme.
Original article online at: https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/4436627.Health_Secretary_steps_down_from_British_Fluoride_Society_role/