First Lords Vote To Amend Mental Health Bill Hailed By The Mental Health Alliance, UK

Main Category: Mental Health
Also Included In: Psychology / Psychiatry;  Depression;  Bipolar
Article Date: 14 Jan 2007 - 23:00 PDT

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Members of the Mental Health Alliance congratulated the House of Lords on its first amendment to a flawed and disappointing Mental Health Bill.

In its second day in Committee on Wednesday, the House of Lords voted to amend the Bill to stop people who have their full decision-making abilities and have committed no offence, from being sectioned.

Welcoming the vote to loosen needless powers of compulsion in the treatment of mentally ill patients, Alliance vice-chair Rowena Daw said:

"The House of Lords has voted to end a major inequality for people with a mental illness. People with physical illnesses cannot be forced to take medical treatment if they have their full decision-making ability, and nor should those with a mental illness.

"We are heartened by the diligent and serious consideration the House of Lords is giving to this Bill. The Bill is in need of a complete overhaul. We hope that today's vote marks the start of that process in Parliament."

The Mental Health Bill was published on 17 November 2006. Committee Stage in the House of Lords began on 8 January.

The Mental Health Alliance is a coalition of 78 organisations working together to secure better mental health legislation for England and Wales. http://www.mentalhealthalliance.org.uk

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