Covid-19: Vaccine Trials

Lord Roberts of Llandudno Excerpts

Wednesday 13th January 2021 Lords Chamber

[Lord Callanan (Con)]

I do not have specific information on the Bangladeshi community and how many took part in the trials. I only have the information on BAME communities as a whole. These distinctions are quite hard to draw sometimes, but certainly if that information is available, I will write to the noble Baroness.

[Lord Roberts of Llandudno (LD) [V]]

I welcome this Question, because it shows how we are all in this together, without regard to nationality, ethnic group or blood group. The Prime Minister said that the two nurses helping him most when he was in hospital were from Portugal and from New Zealand. The first vaccine came from Belgium. We are all in this together. The virus is no respecter of persons. Neither are we relying on our own people to nurse and to be medics—

[The Lord Privy Seal (Baroness Evans of Bowes Park) (Con)]

I am sorry, my Lords. We have asked people to keep their questions short, so that everyone can ask their question.

[Lord Roberts of Llandudno (LD) [V]]

All I ask is for an assurance from the Minister that, when this is over, those on the front line who have been so devoted to us will be allowed to stay in the United Kingdom and not cast to one side.

[Lord Callanan (Con)]

The noble Lord makes some important points. We will certainly look closely at this.