Stephen Morgan MP has today slammed the Government following the news that the Prime Minister has dropped his commitment to delivering the Mental Health Bill 2022, which would have reformed the outdated and unfit for purpose Mental Health Act 19823.
The lack of inclusion of a reformed mental health bill in the King’s Speech means it is now highly unlikely that the legislation will be passed before the next General Election.
It comes as the city MP brought local services and constituents together for a mental health and loneliness event which saw attendees share challenges they are facing in accessing and using metal health support in Portsmouth.
Mr Morgan was joined by representatives from Spark Community Space based in Milton, Solent MIND and Solent NHS Trust.
Constituents raised several challenges faced by those in contact with mental health services, including the inadequacy and waiting times for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services; the support available for loved ones and carers; the value of joining up services and better promotion of them in the city; and the need for more emphasis on suicide prevention.
The Mental Health Bill 2022 was an opportunity for the Government to tackle these challenges and generate wider reforms relating to the rights of people being detained in hospital for mental health treatment.
Following the event and King’s Speech this week, commenting city MP Stephen Morgan, said:
“It is hugely disappointing to learn that after years of delay, the Government has dropped their 2019 manifesto commitment to reform the Mental Health Act. More than 50,000 people were held under the Mental Health Act last year, and yet legislation which would help people at their most unwell has been de-prioritised.
“This is a shocking indictment of a Government that has simply given up delivering for the after 13 years of failing Portsmouth people.
“Labour has committed to legislating so that patients suffering from mental health conditions, including anxiety or depression, have greater control over their treatment and receive the dignity and respect they deserve.
“I will continue to do all that I can to raise these issues in Parliament and to ensure mental health support gets the priority it deserves”.
An incoming Labour Government would also recruit thousands more mental health staff, guaranteeing treatment within a month and providing access to a mental health professional in every school. Following Saturday’s event, the Portsmouth South MP has vowed to raise concerns in the House of Commons.
