The PCC has received a complaint from Dr Andrew Wakefield about articles published in the Sunday Times on 8th February 2009, headlined “MMR doctor Andrew Wakefield fixed data on autism” and “Hidden records show MMR truth”. Having examined the case, the PCC has indicated that it will temporarily stay its investigation until the conclusion of the GMC inquiry, which is likely to clarify information which is relevant to the investigation of the complaint by the PCC. No substantive ruling in relation to the complaint has been reached by the PCC at this stage.

The newspaper – having initially removed the articles at the request of the PCC without any admission of liability – has reinstated them with an annotation to reflect the fact that the PCC complaint is outstanding.

22/7/09