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Coronavirus: Black health expert did not lead BAME report
Jun 4, 2020
A government review into coronavirus risk factors was not led by the health official said to be in charge.
Public Health England announced the inquiry, which investigated the impact of the virus on different ethnic groups, would be led by black surgeon Prof Kevin Fenton.
But the BBC understands the report was led and written by Prof John Newton, head of the UK's testing programme.
PHE said Prof Fenton "contributed" to the review.
It added that he led on community engagement, although this work was not included in the final report published earlier this week.
The public health body did not confirm whether responses from at least 1,000 organisations and individuals contributing to the review would be published amid concerns sections of the draft report had been removed.
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The rapid review, launched in May, confirmed that people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds were dying at disproportionately higher rates than white Britons.
PHE's original announcement said Prof Fenton would "lead the review, supported by a wide group including [former UK equality watchdog chief] Trevor Phillips".
And speaking on Thursday, equalities minister Kemi Badenoch said Prof Fenton's involvement was an example of "diversity in leadership".
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