Covid-19: Vaccine Trials

Baroness Evans of Bowes Park Excerpts

Wednesday 13th January 2021 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Uddin (Non-Afl)]

I thank my noble friend Lady Lawrence and echo what she has said about the suspicion and lack of confidence within many communities. Can the Minister confirm the numerous health reports from experts who suggest that there are higher numbers of deaths, admissions and infection among the Bangladeshi community in particular? How many of the 830 who took part in vaccine trials were from the Bangladeshi community? What are the Government doing to ensure that that community is continually consulted and considered?

[The Lord Privy Seal (Baroness Evans of Bowes Park) (Con)]

My Lords, can we please keep questions short? The last few have been far too long.

[Lord Callanan (Con)]

I do not have specific information on the Bangladeshi community and how many took part in the trials. I only have the information on BAME communities as a whole. These distinctions are quite hard to draw sometimes, but certainly if that information is available, I will write to the noble Baroness.

[Lord Roberts of Llandudno (LD) [V]]

I welcome this Question, because it shows how we are all in this together, without regard to nationality, ethnic group or blood group. The Prime Minister said that the two nurses helping him most when he was in hospital were from Portugal and from New Zealand. The first vaccine came from Belgium. We are all in this together. The virus is no respecter of persons. Neither are we relying on our own people to nurse and to be medics—

[The Lord Privy Seal (Baroness Evans of Bowes Park) (Con)]

I am sorry, my Lords. We have asked people to keep their questions short, so that everyone can ask their question.

[Lord Roberts of Llandudno (LD) [V]]

All I ask is for an assurance from the Minister that, when this is over, those on the front line who have been so devoted to us will be allowed to stay in the United Kingdom and not cast to one side.