Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he plans to publish a mental ill health strategy.

The Department has no plans to publish a mental ill health strategy. We will fix the broken system to ensure that we give mental health the same attention and focus as physical health, and that people can be confident in accessing high quality mental health support when they need it.

As part of our mission to build a National Health Service that is fit for the future and that is there when people need it, this Government will recruit an additional 8,500 mental health workers to reduce delays and provide faster treatment, which will also help ease pressure on the busy mental health services. We will also introduce a specialist mental health professional in every school in England and roll out Young Futures hubs in every community.

The Mental Health Bill announced in the King’s Speech will deliver the Government’s manifesto commitment to modernise the Mental Health Act 1983. It will give patients greater choice, autonomy, enhanced rights and support, and ensure everyone is treated with dignity and respect throughout treatment.