In today's Queen Speech, the government reaffirmed its commitment to reform the Mental Health Act. In response, Alex Kennedy, Head of Campaigns and Public Affairs at Rethink Mental Illness, said:

“The Mental Health Act is out of step with how a modern society thinks about mental illness. It has an important role in keeping people safe when they’re very unwell but it doesn’t give people a say in their own treatment. Reform is long overdue, so we’re pleased to see a continued commitment to deliver change in today’s Queen’s Speech.

“It is vital that the White Paper that has been promised is published before the end of the year. We hope to see the recommendations of the Wessely Review implemented along with a funding commitment to upgrade mental health units to better protect and care for the thousands of people subject to the Mental Health Act every year.”

For more information contact the Rethink Mental Illness media team on 0207 840 3138 or media@rethink.org.