RESEARCH claiming the controversial MMR vaccine has no link with autism has been dismissed by the town's MP.

A report in the Clinical Evidence medical journal claims that the jab is safe but MP Julie Kirkbride is continuing her campaign against the drug.

She has tabled a Bill to give people the right to demand single measles, mumps and rubella vaccinations for their children on the NHS.

Miss Kirkbride, a married mum-of-one, said: "I believe there is still circumstantial evidence which suggests that, in a small number of cases, the MMR vaccine could have been responsible for the regressive autism which has developed in their children."

The Department of Health says the research confirms earlier studies on the safety of the MMR vaccine.

"We hope parents are encouraged by these latest conclusions," said a spokesman.

"MMR is the best way to protect children against measles, mumps and rubella."