Inquiry into number of BAME deaths

A SANDWELL councillor is to take a lead role in an inquiry into why black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities have suffered higher death rates from Covid-19.

Cllr Mohammed Yaseen Hussain will co-chair a taskforce set up by Birmingham MP Liam Byrne to hear first-hand accounts of how the coronavirus pandemic has affected BAME communities in the West Midlands.

The move comes after the

Office for National Statistics revealed the mortality rate for men and women from black communities is over four times higher than other groups.

Cllr Hussain said: “This crisis has taken a toll on our health service and communities. My role as a local councillor and community leader is to do whatever is needed to help. I’ve seen first-hand how devastated some families have been by what has happened to them and I am determined that we must learn the vital lessons to prevent this heartache happening again.”

Liam Byrne added: “Over the last two months we have heard heartbreaking stories from families who have endured unimaginable pain during this pandemic. We’ve been told of loved ones dying alone and of families being unable to grieve.

“But we have also identified some truly heroic individuals who have gone out of their way to support their communities and that is why I wanted Cllr Hussain to join this inquiry and share his valuable insights into what we must learn to ensure this never happens again.”