Mental Health Bill [HL]

Debate between Lord Timpson and Lord Bradley

Committee stage
Monday 27th January 2025 Lords Chamber

[Lord Timpson (Lab)]

Having been in discussions with colleagues over the past couple of weeks on this point, I tested with them the processes involved in making sure that we can make this as robust as possible. One of the issues surrounding exceptional circumstances is the need for flexibility so that some of our professionals do not unwittingly break the law in exceptional circumstances. I am happy to write to the noble Lord with further details.

[Lord Bradley (Lab)]

Before my noble friend completes his summing up, I welcome him to his first Committee session. He kindly offered to meet me to discuss the accountable person for the process of transfer. Can he assure me that that meeting will take place well before Report?

[Lord Timpson (Lab)]

I will very happily meet as soon as possible and well before the next stage.

Mental Health Bill [HL]

Debate between Lord Timpson and Lord Bradley

Committee stage
Monday 27th January 2025 Lords Chamber

[Lord Timpson (Lab)]

I thank the noble Lord for his question. I will be delighted to get the correct information, so that we get it exactly right. We will get it to him as soon as is practical.

[Lord Bradley (Lab)]

I am again grateful to the Minister for his response and pleased that he will provide that information, because it is fundamental to effective implementation of this policy. I also look forward, hopefully before Report, to visiting the north-east health and justice hub to see for myself what model it is developing, how applicable that could be across the country and at what cost. There is lots to do but, on that basis, I wish to withdraw my amendment.

Prisoners: Early Release Scheme

Debate between Lord Timpson and Lord Bradley

Monday 21st October 2024 Lords Chamber

[Lord Timpson (Lab)]

I thank the noble Lord, Lord Farmer, for his question and for the incredible work he has done over many years in this area. One of the benefits of SDS40 is that it provides an opportunity to plan for release, compared to the previous ECSL scheme. Strengthening family ties remains a focus of the Ministry of Justice and HMPPS, and we are working with our partners to deliver a service that helps families and loved ones build and maintain positive relationships, including those released earlier than they would previously have been. For example, our family support workers help to re-establish family ties where appropriate and, critically, help to facilitate visits from prisoners’ children. I am hugely grateful for the work of Spurgeons and of the many charities and volunteers whose dedication helps prison leavers resettle into society, supporting them and their families at such critical times. The hub it runs at HMP Winchester is an excellent example of this.

[Lord Bradley (Lab)]

My Lords, I declare my interests as in the register. Does the Minister agree that to help address reoffending, wherever possible prisoners should have access to the excellent NHS Reconnect service in advance of release? This tries to address continuity of care for people with mental health and related conditions as they return from prison into the community.

[Lord Timpson (Lab)]

I thank my noble friend for that question. He is completely right that continuation of care through NHS Reconnect is so important. In my office about two hours ago, we were having a meeting on this exact subject. I was fortunate to spend two days working in HMP Preston, following the officers around, and it was very clear to me that there were a lot of men in that prison who were very ill and that what they needed was the care of our fantastic NHS colleagues.