‘We need answers on BAME COVID-19 deaths’

Britons write to Prime Minister to demand full public inquiry

SIGNATORY: Bonnie Greer

MORE THAN 70 BAME British figures have today (May 10) united to call for an independent public inquiry into the disproportionate deaths from COVID-19 amongst Britons from minority backgrounds. 

The broad coalition of signatories from across society includes industry experts and people in public life such as; Phil Wang, Kwame Kwei-Armah, Saloum N’jie, Bonnie Greer OBE, Farooq Chaudhry OBE, Matt Henry MBE, Shaun Escoffery and Jermaine Jackman. 

“COVID-19 is clearly now one of the biggest issues in post-war history, directing a spotlight on race and health inequalities.” 

The letter calls for the inquiry to be broadened to include a focus on the levels of exposure BAME staff are facing, and whether employers are fulfilling their duty of care. 

The letter also asks whether Government emergency planning fulfilled the Public Sector Equalities Duty by factoring in the needs of BAME communities. 

Faith leaders

Faith leaders including Harun Khan, the Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, and the Very Reverend Rodgers Govender, Dean of Manchester Cathedral, have signed the letter. 

On race and health inequalities the letter says: “COVID-19 is clearly now one of the biggest issues in post-war history, directing a spotlight on race and health inequalities.” 

A “transparent process” would “restore public confidence”, the letter says:  “By instigating such an inquiry, the government will provide an opportunity for a range of stakeholders to submit evidence through a transparent process. 

“This would help to restore public confidence amongst the UK’s BAME community. 

“An inquiry will provide key findings and offer clear recommendations for systemic or transformational change around the role of the public sector and race equality in Britain.” 

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1 Comment

  1. | Chaka Artwell

    According to Parliaments Race Disparity Audit (RDA) published in 2017, African Caribbean graduates will struggle with securing employment consistent with their education.
    African, Caribbean and Dual-Heritage pupils are still excluded from school at a higher rate than Caucasian pupils and the age for exclusion is decreasing.
    African-skinned people are four timers more likely to be tasered by Police Constables; denied Bail and receive longer prison sentences,just to list a few of the disadvantages of having African-skin in todays England.
    Now the Coronavirus targets African-skinned people. Could the Coronavirus be racist also?

    Reply

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