Clinks response: Women and Equalities Committee inquiry into Covid-19 and the impact on people with protected characteristics

In this response, we focus on the impact that Covid-19 has had on women, black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) people and older people in contact with the criminal justice system – particularly those in prison. Issues covered include the vulnerability of pregnant women and older people in prison, and the disproportionate impact that Covid-19 has had on BAME people, linking to the early release schemes. Recommendations include for the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) to publish data on the ethnicity of those released under the early release scheme, and increased financial support for the voluntary sector working with people with protected characteristics in the criminal justice system.