CAMPAIGNERS from Greater Manchester have reacted angrily to the news that Leigh MP Andy Burnham has accepted an invitation to become a vice-president of the British Fluoridation Society.

Mr Burnham has led the campaign in the House of Commons to push through legislation which gives new powers to strategic health authorities to instruct water companies to fluoridate water supplies. Opponents say that plans to fluoridate local water supplies are illegal and violate human rights.

Steve Clark of Manchester Against Fluoridation said: "It is a slap in the face for his constituents and the people of Greater Manchester who overwhelmingly do not want to be medicated without their consent via their kitchen taps. We all have the right to refuse medication and this is a clear violation of that right."

In response, Mr Burnham said: "It is time these people took their heads out of the sand. MPs and Lords voted clearly in favour of allowing local communities to opt for local water fluoridation. They did so because of the clear evidence that water fluoridation is safe and effective and has the full backing of the Chief Medical Officer."