Covid-19 Update

Debbie Abrahams Excerpts

Monday 5th July 2021 Commons Chamber

[Sajid Javid]

I will be making a statement to Parliament on just that issue. I think I will probably make it tomorrow.

[Debbie Abrahams (Oldham East and Saddleworth) (Lab) [V]]

Last December, Professor Sir Michael Marmot revealed that the high and unequal covid death toll across England was down to historic structural inequalities that successive Conservative Governments have allowed to go unchecked. Last week, he quantified that, showing that Greater Manchester had a 25% higher covid death toll because of those structural socioeconomic inequalities. When will the Health Secretary deliver on the Prime Minister’s promise to me in January to implement Sir Michael’s recommendations to address those inequalities in my constituency and others, and ensure that we build back fairer?

[Sajid Javid]

The hon. Lady raises an important issue. We have seen, sadly, that through the pandemic, because of various inequalities up and down the country, some people have suffered a lot more than others. It is an important point, and we need to do more—we all collectively need to learn from this. I give her the assurance that I know that Public Health England and the chief medical officer are looking into it and will report to Ministers shortly.