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Mental Health Bill Legislative Scrutiny 2025-05-22
22 May 2025
Lead MP
Peter Swallow
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
NHS
Other Contributors: 5
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.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
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.
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.
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.
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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