Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Stephen Morgan and Felicity Buchan

Wednesday 22nd July 2020 Commons Chamber

[Stephen Morgan (Portsmouth South) (Lab)]

What steps her Department has taken to help tackle the disproportionate effect of the covid-19 outbreak on black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

[Felicity Buchan (Kensington) (Con)]

What steps the Equality Hub is taking to better understand the effect of the covid-19 outbreak on black and minority ethnic people.

[The Minister for Equalities (Kemi Badenoch)]

We are concerned that covid-19 is disproportionately impacting ethnic minority communities, which is why the Government have put in place measures to reduce the spread of the virus, especially for people who may be at higher risk. In addition to a raft of specific targeted interventions, I am working with the Race Disparity Unit and the Department of Health and Social Care to act on the findings of the Public Health England review into disparities in risks and outcomes of covid-19. That work will enable us to take appropriate, evidence-based action to address the highlighted disparities.