The BBC has today reported that the review commissioned by the Secretary of State Matt Hancock MP into the disproportionate impacts of Covid-19 on the BAME community, does in fact have a different author to what we have been led to believe. It was widely believed that Dr Fenton was leading the review on the disproportionate BAME deaths due to COVID-19.
The BBC has today reported that the review commissioned by the Secretary of State Matt Hancock MP into the disproportionate impacts of Covid-19 on the BAME community, does in fact have a different author to what we have been led to believe.
It was widely believed that Dr Fenton was leading the review on the disproportionate BAME deaths due to COVID-19.
However, reports are emerging today that Dr Fenton’s work is seen as just one contribution amongst thousands and in the final report, and his contribution may have been largely ignored as it may have spotlighted structural and institutional shortcomings.
If #BAMEReports are true, this is a serious fundamental breach of trust by .@BorisJohnson government and will send shock waves across our Black Asian Minority Ethnic communities #BlackLivesMatter #OurLivesMatters #WeNeedAnswers https://t.co/NfCdJGpeDJ
— Union Organiser (@RehanaAzam) June 4, 2020
Earlier this week, GMB union criticised this report as it failed to bring any new facts to light and also failed to make any recommendations. The UK’s BAME communities are desperate for answers and reassurances that they will be protected.
GMB is calling for a public inquiry in the effects of Covid-19 on BAME communities.
NEW: @BBCNews has learnt Professor Kevin Fenton did *not* "lead" Public Health England's review into the impact of covid-19 on ethnic minority groups as widely publicised last month. @PHE_uk has now described his role as a "contribution". Full report coming up soon on @BBCRadio4
— Rianna Croxford (@The_Crox) June 4, 2020
Rehana Azam, GMB National Secretary said:
“If these reports are true, this is a serious fundamental breach of trust by government that will send shock waves across our Black Asian Minority Ethnic communities.
“It’s been largely publicised that Dr Fenton was commissioned by Matt Hancock MP to undertake a Public Health England report into the impact of Covid on BAME communities. Was Dr Fenton’s name used simply to give the report credibility.
“In the context of global events, with the spotlight on structural and institutional racism, the publication of this report which carried no recommendations has just heightened distrust of the claim that all lives matter to the Government.
“Matt Hancock MP has serious questions to answer: did he side-line Dr Fenton’s contribution; and if so has he misled Parliament and the Public?
“If he hasn’t he needs to make a public statement. If he doesn’t, what is the government hiding?
“We are entitled to know what are the facts and we demand answers now."
