Farage refuses to back science on pal Donald's baseless autism claim

NIGEL Farage has been branded a snake oil salesman for refusing to rubbish Donald Trump's irresponsible claim of a link between paracetamol and autism.

- BY ASHLEY COWBURN & SOPHIE HUSKISSON

After the Reform UK leader declined to side with medical experts over the US President's comment, Wes Streeting accused Farage of acting dangerously and irresponsibly.

The UK Health Secretary said: “Farage is the snake oil salesman of British politics and it’s time to stop buying his rubbish.”

Yesterday's clash came after Trump said there had been a meteoric rise in autism and suggested pregnant women should stop taking paracetamol.

His unproven claim, made in the Oval Office on Monday, sparked a backlash from experts and medical regulators. One warned that fearmongering would prevent women from accessing appropriate care.

But asked on LBC radio whether the US President was right, Farage said: “I have no idea.”

He said Trump has a “particular thing about autism — I think because there's been some in his family”.