Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Mental Health Bill Legislative Scrutiny 2025-05-22

22 May 2025 · 5 other contributors

Opened by Peter Swallow Lab Bracknell

Mental Health

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Peter Swallow raised concerns about mental health bill legislative scrutiny 2025-05-22 in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • The Joint Committee on Human Rights presented a report on the Mental Health Bill.
  • The Bill aims to amend the Mental Health Act to end detention under section 3 solely due to autism or learning disability.
  • The report recommends introducing a nominated person system and removing police stations and prisons as places of safety.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Peter Swallow Lab Bracknell

It is an honour to present to the House the Joint Committee on Human Rights’ report into the Mental Health Bill. The Bill will introduce substantial changes to the Mental Health Act, which provides the legal framework for the detention and compulsory treatment of people with “mental disorders”. The proposed amendments include ending the detention of individuals under section 3 solely based on autism or learning disability; tightening criteria for detention; introducing a nominated person system; removing police stations and prisons as places of safety; and ensuring children are accommodated on adult wards only when demonstrably in their best interests. Additionally, it recommends adding equity as a guiding principle to address racial disparities.

Other contributors (5)
  • Peter Swallow Lab Bracknell

    Welcomed the Bill’s direction of travel but recommended several key amendments: ensuring children are accommodated on adult wards only when demonstrably in their best interests; adding equity as a guiding principle to address racial disparities; shortening review periods for restricted patients discharged into conditions amounting to deprivation of liberty. Also highlighted the need for community-based interventions and reducing waiting lists for mental health support.

  • Luke Evans Con Hinckley and Bosworth

    Commended the report, especially as it pertains to technical aspects such as restraint for people with autism and learning disabilities. Asked whether the 28-day assessment period was adequate from a human rights perspective.

  • Chris Bloore Lab Redditch

    Congratulated Peter Swallow on his Committee’s report, focusing on the recommendation for an English equivalent to the right to a mental health assessment in Wales. Highlighted that such equivalence could drastically improve admissions and support for people needing acute mental health services.

  • Richard Foord LD Honiton and Sidmouth

    Expresses gratitude to the Joint Committee for their report, notes the committee’s call for more prompt and regular reviews by the Mental Health Tribunal. Argues that these reviews are not only crucial for upholding individuals' rights but also beneficial for families and neighbours of mental health patients due to potential disruptions.

  • Peter Swallow

    Agrees with Richard Foord's point, highlighting distress experienced by families where treatment is far from home. Emphasises the importance of hearing from individuals with lived experience to inform recommendations.

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