'Misinformation' about 'mythical dangers' of Covid vaccine is hindering rollout, says Archbishop

Justin Welby receiving the Covid-19 vaccine.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has urged the UK Government to address "misinformation" around the Covid-19 vaccine.

Speaking in the House of Lords this week, the Archbishop, who has himself been vaccinated, said "false stories" about the "mythical dangers" of the vaccine were an obstacle to its rollout. 

He said this misinformation was "being deliberately spread" and needed to be addressed by the Government. 

The Archbishop raised concerns about other challenges, including the "immense logistical difficulties" in distributing the vaccine across the UK, and the use of surplus supplies as he singled out Canada for ordering "more than five times what it needs for its population". 

He praised the UK Government for showing "exceptional moral leadership" after helping to raise $1bn towards the WHO's COVAX programme, which aims to ensure equitable access to the vaccine across countries. 

"However, in order to make the money work ... we need a global vaccination campaign if we are to overcome this global pandemic," he said. 

News
English Heritage deletes debunked claims about pagan origins of Christmas Day
English Heritage deletes debunked claims about pagan origins of Christmas Day

English Heritage has admitted it got it wrong when it shared false claims that the date of Christmas is derived from a pagan Roman festival in honour of a sun god.

Guinness Book of Records recognises 'the world’s longest serving Sunday School teacher'
Guinness Book of Records recognises 'the world’s longest serving Sunday School teacher'

Pam Knowles started helping out her church Sunday school in 1951 at the age of 13.

The origins of ‘traditional’ Christmas celebrations 
The origins of ‘traditional’ Christmas celebrations 

Today in the UK we celebrate Christmas and the period around it with many familiar traditions and activities. There is an understandable assumption that we have always done things this way. However, celebrating Christmas has a long and complex history and things change over time. 

Venezuela stops cardinal from leaving country
Venezuela stops cardinal from leaving country

The cardinal has spoken out against the excesses of the Maduro government.