Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Mental Health Act Reform And Racial Disparities

16 June 2021 · 0 other contributors · 1,691 words

Opened by Nadine Dorries Con Mid Bedfordshire

Responding minister: Not recorded

Justice & Courts

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Nadine Dorries raised concerns about mental health act reform and racial disparities in Westminster Hall. Response awaited from government.

Key points

  • Black people are four times more likely than white people to be detained under the Mental Health Act.
  • Black people are ten times more likely than white people to be placed on community treatment orders.
  • Concerns were raised about the delay in implementing Seni's law due to covid.

Key requests to Government

The proposals for reforming the Mental Health Act include enhancing patient choice, increasing scrutiny of decisions, improving access to independent mental health tribunals, and addressing racial disparities. The Government should ensure that these reforms are implemented as planned.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Nadine Dorries Con Mid Bedfordshire

I recognise many of the points raised about the consultation which was wide reaching and had a huge response, including racial disparities in detention rates. Black people are currently four times more likely than white people to be detained under the Act, and ten times more likely to be placed on community treatment orders (CTOs). I am concerned about Seni's law which aims to increase oversight of the use of force and restraint but has been delayed by covid.

▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy