Many parents have refused to let their children have the jab

Julie Kirkbride, the Conservative MP for Bromsgrove, said Friday's landmark ruling in the High Court has serious implications.

The judge found in favour of the children's fathers who want their daughters to receive the controversial treatment.

The decision means the girls, who are aged four and 10, must now be given the three-in-one jab to vaccinate them against mumps, measles and rubella.

'Difficult decisions'

Ms Kirkbride, who has a two-year-old son, said: "I'm very unhappy about a judgment that forces a parent to do this.

"I don't see why issues like this should come to court.

"In the end these things are very difficult decisions.

"It should be left up to parents and, if parents disagree, then it seems to me that the parent who has the custody should be the one who basically decides."