Reform of the Mental Health Act

Today, the Government have scrapped their pledge to reform the Mental Health Act.

More than six years of reports, campaigning and hard work has gone down the drain.

Last year, I sat on the Joint Committee on the Draft Mental Health Bill. 

There was overwhelming cross-party support for reforming the Act. 

To this day, the Government has failed to respond to the committee's recommendations.

Earlier this year, the Conservatives scrapped their own 10-year mental health plan. 

Dither, delay and failure is on form with the Tories' approach to tackling the crisis in mental health services.

Black people are five times more likely to be detained under the Mental Health Act. 

The Tories have scrapped a once in a generation opportunity to tackle this burning injustice.

Last month, I challenged the Health Minister to commit to reforming the Mental Health Act, her response was less than insightful.

It is disappointing that the Tories continue to bury their heads in the sand and neglect mental health services. They are out of ideas and it's costing patients their lives.

Only Labour can provide the transformation needed to improve services. 

Today, the Government have scrapped their pledge to reform the Mental Health Act.

More than six years of reports, campaigning and hard work has gone down the drain.

Read my thread below:

— Dr Rosena Allin-Khan (@DrRosena) November 7, 2023