By Clare Jerrom, Reg McKay and Alex Dobson.
New study suggests MMR link with autism
A fresh debate over the controversial MMR jab is likely to be fuelled after new research suggests links between the vaccination and autism.
Vijendra Singh, a scientist at Utah university in the United States, holds the view that measles vaccine could cause autism. In his new study published in the Journal of Biomedical Science, he says he has found an unusual MMR antibody in 75 children with autism, which was not present in children who do not have the disorder.
The report says: "Stemming from this evidence, we suggest that an inappropriate antibody response to MMR, specifically the measles component, might be related to pathogenesis of autism."
Source:- The Guardian Friday 9 August page 8
Prisoners ‘taking advantage of rights ruling’
A breakdown in discipline in prisons could emerge following a human rights ruling that punishment hearings were illegal, prison governors and staff warned yesterday.
They claim there have already been a number of disturbances in prisons after the decision, which has prevented governors adding time to sentences for offences committed in prison.
The Prison Governors Association said the government did not move to put in place a new system before the European court of human rights’ ruling. It said that unless a new system of adjudicating on prisoners’ alleged offences is imposed quickly more inmates could try to take advantage.
Last month the Strasbourg court ruled it was a breach of the right to a fair trial for a governor to sit as "judge and jury" in internal disciplinary hearings for offences that would be considered criminal outside jail.
Source:- The Guardian Friday 9 August page 9
Social background holds key to a child’s success
Children’s social backgrounds are more important than low birth weight in determining how well they will achieve in school in later life, according to research.
Social deprivation and poverty are some of the most significant reasons why some children do less well than others, according to the study, published in the British Medical Journal.
It finds low birth weight because of premature birth or a poorly nourished mother does affect intellectual development, but not to such an extent as social class.
Barbara Jefferis, a research fellow at the Institute of Child Health in London, believes the report shows the need for more to be done in tackling childhood deprivation. "These results show the strong effect of social background in cognitive development, and the need to take seriously policies addressing deprivation in children."
Source:- The Guardian Friday 9 August page 10
Ecstasy death girl’s father is arrested
The father of the 10-year-old girl who died after taking ecstasy was arrested yesterday.
A police spokesperson said Simon Slack, father of Jade, was arrested on suspicion of "being concerned in the supply of controlled substances", and questioned at Lancaster police station.
Jade died in hospital last month after taking ecstasy at a friend’s home in Galgate, near Lancaster.
Source:- Daily Telegraph Friday 9 August page 7
Children adopted from abroad ‘more likely to suffer from mental illness’
Children adopted from abroad are far more likely to have mental health problems and suicidal tendencies than the rest of the population in their new country, according to latest research.
A study of 11,300 "inter-country adoptees" found many felt singled out because they were of a different ethnic background. They often struggled to overcome the setbacks of their early childhood.
The result is a risk to depressive illness that is up to four times the level of the rest of the population. The chance of committing suicide is 3.6 times higher, according to the medical journal, 'The Lancet'.
Dr Anders Hjerin, who co-ordinated the study, said the group was five times more likely to be addicted to drugs and up to three times more likely to commit crimes or abuse alcohol.
He said: "The issue is not whether adoptees are more likely to have difficulty adjusting socially, but rather why these difficulties exist and what to do about them."
Source:- The Independent Friday 9 August page 4
Adoption authority ‘bullied worker into quitting’
The chief executive of the British Agencies for Adoption and Fostering forced a development officer out of her job in a four-year bullying campaign, a tribunal in Croydon, south London, was told yesterday.
Sylvia Barker claims constructive dismissal after alleged harassment by Felicity Collier.
The authority disputes the claim.
Source:- The Independent Friday 9 August page 6
Scottish newspapers
Equality urged for gay couples
Gay people who live together should have the same rights as heterosexuals when it comes to claiming damages for grief, distress, or sorrow and loss of financial support, according to the Scottish Law Commission.
At present Scottish law prevents gay couples from making such claims, but the law commission concludes that this is contrary to contemporary values and expectations.
The law commission’s findings say that the concept of "immediate family" should be retained in the legislation, but now be interpreted to include same-sex couples. The recommendations, welcomed by human rights groups, will now be considered by ministers with a view to implementation.
Source:- The Herald Friday 9 August page 8
Welsh newspapers
Head of racial equality in Wales resigns
The head of the Commission for Racial Equality in Wales has resigned after an internal investigation.
Dr Mashuq Ally tended his resignation in July, six months after he was suspended over allegations of professional misconduct, but although he resigned a month ago, the decision was not announced until last night.
Dr Ally, who is an expert on Islamic affairs denies that his resignation has anything to do with the inquiry, but he says came about following a disagreement with the CRE in Wales.
He was suspended from his £40,000-a-year post on full pay on February 28, although this was not announced until mid April following allegations of professional misconduct and inappropriate behaviour towards colleagues.
An internal investigation that was concluded in June ruled out any question of wrongdoing on Dr Ally's part.
Source:- Western Mail Friday 9 August page 1
Councillor accused of threat
An investigation has been launched after a senior councillor allegedly threatened to throw a female social worker out of a window.
Former Gwent and Monmouthshire council leader, Graham Powell is said to have made the alleged threat, and it is also claimed that he told the woman that he would have her sacked.
The incident is said to have taken place at heated meeting called to discuss on-going care arrangements for a couple in the county. The social worker who had arranged the meeting left after the alleged comments were made. Four other people were present at the meeting.
Graham Powell said his remarks were 'jocular', but Monmouthshire council is investigating the incident.
Source:- Western Mail Friday 9 August page 1
