BLACK COMMUNITIES have until midnight tonight to have a say on what areas the official inquiry into the handling of the Covid crisis should cover.

The public inquiry’s draft terms of reference do not make any mention of the disproportionate impact Covid has had on black communities.

Black people were three times more likely to die from the virus. The figure is even higher for African men, who were four times more likely to die.

The public inquiry do not plan to “examine” this. The draft terms of reference make a vague reference to looking at “protected characteristics” in the category of identifying “the lessons to be learned… to inform the UK’s preparations for future pandemics.”

Health campaigners and trade unions have criticised the current framing of the public inquiry, to be chaired by Baroness Hallett.

Black communities have just a few hours left to comment on what the inquiry should look at. The consultation closes at midnight tonight.

You can have your say here

Ade Adeyemi, Federation of Ethnic Minority Healthcare Professionals secretary told The Voice, it’s important for black communities to put forward their “experiences and concerns” to help “shape the agenda of the inquiry.”

He said: “We intend to play a full part in the Inquiry to ensure that our members’ experiences and expertise is available to the Inquiry team, thus ensuring that the Inquiry does not ghettoise issues of race to just one bit of the inquiry, but to look at the entire investigation through the lens of equality.

“The more diverse voices that contribute to this in the public consultation, the better.”

Mr Adeyemi said it was crucial the voices of Britain’s black communities are heard, to ensure lessons can be learnt for the future.

He said: “In the first wave, 95% of medics who died from Covid-19 in the UK were from ethnic minority backgrounds, even though only 44% of doctors are from ethnic minorities.

“Additionally, 64% of nurses who died were from ethnic minority backgrounds, and yet only 20% of nurses are from ethnic minorities.

“The pandemic harshly exposed the disproportionately adverse health outcomes and wider socio-economic challenges members that ethnic minorities face.

“The Covid-19 inquiry must be fully independent and far-reaching so that lessons can be learnt for the future, disparities can be reduced, resulting in a more diverse and equal society and workforce that is fit for purpose, which will benefit us all.”

The UK Covid-19 Inquiry was set up to examine the UK’s preparedness and response to the pandemic, and to learn lessons for the future.

Baroness Hallett, Chair of the UK Covid-19 Inquiry said: “The pandemic has affected all of us. I am inviting everyone in the UK to take part in the Inquiry’s online consultation on the Terms of Reference. If you have not already responded I urge you to do so. I am especially keen to hear the views of young people, those from an ethnic minority background and those with a disability. 

“Your views will help to shape what the Inquiry will investigate. This will mean the Inquiry is able to examine our preparedness and response to the pandemic, and learn lessons for the future.”

Once the public consultation has ended, the Chair will consider the public’s views on what should be in the Terms of Reference.

Based on the feedback she receives in the consultation, the Chair will then make final recommendations on the Inquiry’s remit to the Prime Minister.

Once the Terms of Reference have been agreed by the Prime Minister, the Inquiry will officially begin.

You can take part in the online consultation here: https://covid19.public-inquiry.uk/consultation/