Covid-19 BAME Communities
2021-01-13
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner raises concerns about the impact of the pandemic on specific ethnic groups. The initial report by Kemi Badenoch's department suggested that socioeconomic factors were more influential than ethnicity in explaining disparities.
What steps has her Department taken to help tackle the disproportionate effect of the covid-19 outbreak on Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities?
My first report concluded that there is no evidence suggesting ethnicity itself is a risk factor. Instead, socioeconomic and geographical factors largely explain disparities. The report outlined measures targeting those risk factors which are being implemented across Government. We work with stakeholders like the British Medical Association and Community Advisory Group.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about ensuring ethnicity data collection is not directly addressed.
Encouraged Re-Reading Of The Report
Claimed Misunderstanding
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The questioner challenges the initial report's claim about data collection on ethnicity. She seeks clarity on whether data is being collected to monitor the impact of the pandemic on specific ethnic groups.
The disparities impact report did not say that race was not a factor. What it actually said was that data were not being collected. Has the Minister ensured that ethnicity data, including test-taking, positive tests, vaccinations and deaths at a national and regional level, are being collected to enable robust monitoring of the impacts of covid-19 on black, Asian and minority ethnic communities?
I am afraid that the hon. Lady seems to have completely misunderstood the report. I encourage her to re-read it. There is no evidence to suggest structural or institutional racism causes higher infection rates for ethnic minorities. Data from Intensive Care National Audit and Research Centre shows improvements in critical illness percentages and deaths for these groups compared to the first wave.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about data collection was not addressed.
Claimed Misunderstanding
Challenged Political Motives
Response accuracy