Liam Byrne MP, Andrew Mitchell MP and Cllr Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council, have jointly sent a cross-party letter to the Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, calling on him to public any data relating to the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on the BAME community.

In the letter they highlight that 42% of Birmingham citizens are from BAME backgrounds, which makes this issue all the more important to the city. In particular they say there is concern “after it emerged that Black people are more than four times more likely to die from Covid-18 than white people, while Indian, Bangladeshi and Pakistani communities also have a significantly higher risk of dying”.

Commenting on the letter, Jack Dromey MP said:

“I fully support the calls made by Liam and others for the Government to release any data regarding the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on the BAME community.

“It is important that we fully understand the impact Coronavirus is having on every section of society, so we can protect those most at risk.”

You can read the full letter below: