Stephen has written to the Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, asking that he release the full, unredacted, report authored by Public Health England on the “Disparities in the risk and outcomes of COVID-19”.
Sections of the report were removed from the review, including the experiences and perspectives of BAME stakeholders from across the UK. Stephen also raised questions about the lack of analysis in the report. It contained only two paragraphs detailing why BAME people are more likely to die from coronavirus. There were also no clear and actionable recommendations for government.
Speaking about the report, Stephen said: “The review was deeply disappointing. It told us what we already know - that BAME people and the most disadvantaged communities are disproportionately impacted by Covid-19.
“But it failed to provide any recommendations on how to reduce these disparities, leaving us with more questions than answers. The Government must not wait any longer to address underlying racial and socioeconomic injustices, so that no more lives are lost.”
To read Stephen’s letter to the Health Secretary, click here.