Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to ensure that patients, carers and clinicians are fully consulted during the independent review of the Mental Health Act 1983.

On 4 October 2017, the Prime Minister announced an independent review of mental health legislation and practice to tackle the issue of mental health detention on 4 October 2017.

The independent review will be chaired by Professor Sir Simon Wessely, a former President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. As detailed in the review’s Terms of Reference, the government has commissioned Sir Simon to conduct the review using principles of co-production, working closely with service users, carers, relevant professionals, and impacted organisations in all aspects of its work. The review will seek to make recommendations to Government, which has broad support from these groups.