Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will have discussions with (a) the National Autistic Society and (b) other autism charities on (i) mental health reform and (ii) the detention of autistic people in mental health hospitals.

On 17 July 2024, the King’s Speech set out the Government’s commitment to modernise the Mental Health Act. Department officials are now working to prepare the Mental Health Bill for introduction when parliamentary time allows.

As part of the Department’s preparations, plans are underway for stakeholder engagement once the bill is introduced. This will involve engaging with autism charities, including the National Autistic Society, on a range of related issues.