MP calls on Government to act over inequalities facing black communities
A Black Country MP has called on the Government to act over inequalities facing Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities.
John Spellar has said ministers in the Home Office needed to stop the "dither and delay" and take action – rather than set up another commission.
It comes as the Warley MP raised the issue to the Minister for Women and Equalities in the House of Commons.
Mr Spellar said: "We know that the Disclosure and Barring Service sometimes bars people from work for decades and is, frankly, unfair and discriminatory; we know that the Windrush scandal is still ongoing, and there is dither and delay in the Home Office.
"We know that in health and care services there has been a disproportionate impact on those from BAME communities, especially among women in nursing and care roles.
"We do not need another commission to decide this; what we need is some action. What is the minister going to do about it?"
Elizabeth Truss MP, the Minister for Women and Equalities, said the Warley MP made a "fair point" about the Disclosure and Barring Service.
And she confirmed the Government would look at the issue – and others "across the board" – through a review.
Mr Spellar added: "I’m pleased ministers are getting the message. I shall be pursuing this in Parliament in the next few weeks to ensure there are results.
"The Home Office now need to get a move on."
