Outbreaks create fear. And fear is a key ingredient for racism and xenophobia to thrive. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has uncovered social and political fractures within communities. This has resulted in racist responses.

Consequently, this disproportionately affects marginalised and minority groups. Today, and following the spread of COVID-19 from Wuhan, China, discrimination towards Chinese people has increased. This includes individual acts of microaggression to other forms of violence as well as collective forms of abuse.

Moderated by Isabelle Parasram – Vice President Liberal Democrats and Trustee of The Paddy Ashdown Forum – our eminent speakers Dr George Lee and Linda Chung explain why and offer solutions.