Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Kim Johnson and David Duguid

Wednesday 9th September 2020 Commons Chamber

[Kim Johnson (Liverpool, Riverside) (Lab)]

If he will make a comparative assessment of the effect of covid-19 on the black community in Scotland and England.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (David Duguid)]

It is clear that the black community has been disproportionately affected by covid-19, and action is under way to determine what is driving these disparities. We continue to work closely with the Scottish Government and the Department of Health and Social Care on a range of issues related to covid-19, and will continue to do so to address the impact on the black community across the whole of the UK.

[Kim Johnson]

Findings from three Edinburgh University surveys of Scottish ethnic minorities show that, from 2015 to 2019, between 18% and 20% of respondents said they experienced racial discrimination in using health services. Will the Minister’s Department commit to investigating this further and to taking steps to eliminate all kinds of racial discrimination in health services?

[David Duguid]

I recognise that the hon. Lady is an ardent campaigner for equality in the black community. The UK Government are keenly aware of the continuing discrimination ethnic minorities face in the United Kingdom today and take seriously their obligation to secure equality for all. That is why my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister announced the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities on 16 June.