BROMSGROVE'S MP and her Labour opponent at the next general election have clashed over her stance on the controversial triple measles jab of a few years ago. Sam Burden, Labour's Parliamentary candidate said this week cases of measles in Worcestershire and the West Midlands is soaring.

Recent official figures show cases have risen sharply over the last couple of years. In 2008 there were 13 in Worcestershire and over 100 in the West Midlands. Prior to 2006 there were less than 5 across the whole of the West Midlands.

Just a few years ago numbers was so small the World Health Authority was hoping measles to be completely eradicated. The rise in the numbers is thought to be linked to the drop in take up of the MMR vaccine.

Confidence in the vaccine fell following the possibility the jab may be linked to an increased risk of autism. The research published in 2002 by Dr Andrew Wakefield was quickly discredited and shown to be flawed by scientists.

At the time the Chief Medical Officer was so concerned of the need to maintain the MMR vaccination that he threatened to resign over the issue.

However a campaign was launched for a choice of individual jabs.

Mr Burden this week claimed Julie Kirkbride had campaigned heavily at the time for the triple jab.

He said: “Measles is a very serious illness and the rates of increase we have seen over the last couple of years are of real concern. Does Julie Kirkbride now regret her support for the discredited triple jab?”

The comment prompted a swift reply from the Tory MP who is the mother of a young son. She said: "Mr Burden should get his facts right. I was never against MMR. I just wanted people to be offered the choice of a triple jab for their children.

"It sums up this Labour government that those who stand in its name don't understand the importance of choice."