Mental Health proposals draconian

4.21.05pm GMT Wed 15th Nov 2006

David Howarth, MP for Cambridge, has reacted in anger to draconian plans revealed in the Queens' Speech today to focus on compulsion in mental health treatment.

The Speech announced a new Mental Health Bill to be brought before Parliament this year which would revive plans to allow people with untreatable personality disorders to be detained.

Mr. Howarth commented:

"Here in Cambridge, as in many other parts of the country, we are suffering the effects of massive cuts to mental health services. Local patients are not getting the treatment they require and now, instead of providing proper funding for treatment, the Government is proposing to lock more people up.

David Howarth MP

"Investment in timely and appropriate treatment will save money in the long-term. The Government is being amazingly short-sighted in failing to realise this. Their proposed Mental Health Bill could lead to people with mental health problems being detained for reasons other than treatment. Any new laws must be focused on patient autonomy and access to care, with compulsory treatment used only as a last resort."