Judith Cummins MP: speeches

Speeches

• 27 Oct 2025 · Prisoner Release Checks · Hansard source

  More

  Order. I ask the hon. Gentleman to ponder his words. I suggest that he withdraws the remark that he has just made about another hon. Member.

• 27 Oct 2025 · Prisoner Release Checks · Hansard source

  More

  I call the Father of the House.

• 27 Oct 2025 · Prisoner Release Checks · Hansard source

  More

  I call the shadow Secretary of State.

• 27 Oct 2025 · Victims and Courts Bill · Hansard source

  More

  With this it will be convenient to discuss the following: Government new clause 14— Restriction of parental responsibility for child conceived as a result of rape. New clause 1— Child sexual abuse victims and the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme — (1) The Secretary of State must amend the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme to— (a) widen eligibility for compensation to all victims of child sexual abuse, including online-facilitated sexual abuse; (b) ensure applicants with unspent convictions are not automatically excluded where offences are linked to the circumstances of their sexual abuse as a child; and (c) increase the time limit for applications for compensation from victims of child sexual abuse to seven years from— (i) the date the offence was reported to the police; or (ii) the age of 18, where the offence was reported while the victim was a child. (2) The Secretary of State must lay before Parliament a new draft of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme within six months of this section coming into force.” This new clause would widen eligibility for compensation to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme to all victims of child sexual abuse. New clause 2— Sentencing: duty when giving custodial sentence to offender who has a child — (1) At the time of passing a custodial sentence by a judge or magistrate the relevant court must instruct HM Courts and Tribunals Service (“HMCTS”) to determine whether an offender has— (a) a dependent child, (b) parental responsibility for a child, or (c) a child living in their household. (2) As soon as reasonably practicable after establishing whether an offender has responsibility for or contact with a child as under subsection (1), HMCTS must notify the relevant local authority and relevant agencies where a child lives with such information about the sentenced individual as the Secretary of State sees fit, which must include— (a) offence type, (b) sentence length, and (c) the offender’s registered home address and date of birth. (3) In this Section— “local authority” has the same meaning as in the Children Act 2004 (see section 65); “relevant agency” in relation to a local authority area in England, means a person who exercises functions in that area in relation to children.” This new clause would introduce a duty on courts to ascertain whether an offender has responsibility for, or contact with a child at the time of passing a custodial sentence and for the courts to notify relevant local safeguarding teams details of the sentence passed by a judge or magistrate. New clause 4— Victim personal statements — (1) The Secretary of State shall, within six months of the passing of this Act, issue revised guidance on the content of victim personal statements. (2) The revised guidance issued under subsection (1) must stipulate that when making a victim personal statement, a victim shall be able to say anything they wish about the defendant, provided it is not contrary to any statutory limitations on free speech, makes allegations of untried criminal conduct or is disorderly language. (3) The court must disregard any prejudicial comments made during a victim personal statement.” This new clause would require the Secretary of State to review how to make victim personal statements less restrictive and clarify what can be included. New clause 5— Duty to collect and publish data upon sentencing — (1) At the time of passing a sentence by a judge or magistrate the relevant court must provide to HM Courts and Tribunals Service (“HMCTS”) the following information regarding the sentence passed— (a) offence type, (b) sentence length, (c) such information about the sentenced individual as the Secretary of State sees fit, which must include— (i) nationality, (ii) method of entry to the United Kingdom, (iii) visa route, (iv) visa status, (v) asylum status, (vi) country of birth, and (vii) biological sex. (2) HMCTS must collect and collate the information on the basis set out in subsection (1) on sentences passed in the courts. (3) Once every three months, the Secretary of State must publish statistics based on the information collected by HMCTS under subsection (2).” New clause 6— Court transcripts of sentencing remarks — (1) All sentencing remarks made in the Crown Court must be published within two sitting days of being delivered. (2) All publications must be freely available to all members of the public.” New clause 7— Extension of Victim Contact Scheme — (1) The Secretary of State must ensure that the Victim Contact Scheme is made available to— (a) victims of offenders sentenced to less than 12 months for violent and sexual offences, (b) victims in cases involving coercive or controlling behaviour, stalking, or harassment, and (c) bereaved families in manslaughter or death by dangerous driving cases. (2) The Secretary of State must ensure that information under the Victim Contact Scheme is communicated in a timely and trauma-informed manner. (3) The Secretary of State must publish data each year on uptake and accessibility of the Victim Contact Scheme.” This new clause would require the Secretary of State to extend the Victim Contact Scheme to certain categories of victim. It would also ensure information is provided in a timely, trauma-informed way and require annual reporting on the Scheme’s uptake and accessibility. New clause 8— Access to free court transcripts for victims — (1) Victims of criminal offences shall be entitled to receive, without charge, court transcripts of— (a) sentencing remarks, (b) judicial summings-up, (c) bail decisions and conditions relevant to their case. (2) The Secretary of State must ensure that such transcripts are provided within 14 days of a request. (3) The duty under subsection (1) shall apply irrespective of whether the victim gave evidence in the case.” This new clause would give victims a right to receive, free of charge, court transcripts of sentencing remarks, judicial summings-up, and bail decisions relevant to their case. It requires that transcripts be provided within 14 days of a request and clarifies that this right applies whether or not the victim gave evidence in the case. New clause 9— Victims of online and technology-enabled crimes — (1) The Secretary of State must, within six months of the passing of this Act, commission the Victims’ Commissioner to undertake a review of the support provided to victims of online or technology-enabled offences including, but not limited to— (a) harassment and threats; (b) deepfake image generation; and (c) the premeditated filming and online sharing of violent attacks where the intent is to humiliate or cause distress. (2) The review should consider the effectiveness of— (a) the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime in England and Wales; (b) any guidance on the treatment of victims in the criminal justice system; and (c) support provided to victims by the criminal justice agencies. (3) The Victims’ Commissioner must publish a report making recommendations to the Secretary of State within 12 months of the start of the review.” This new clause would require the Secretary of State to undertake and publish a review of the support provided to victims of online or technology-enabled offences. New clause 10— Duty to commission support services for victims of abuse and exploitation — (1) This section applies in respect of victims of offences relating to— (a) domestic abuse, (b) sexual violence, or (c) child criminal exploitation. (2) It is the duty of relevant authorities to commission sufficient and specific services for victims under subsection (1) in accordance with the Victims Code of Practice for England and Wales. (3) Victim is defined as outlined in Section 1 of the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024. (4) The services commissioned and provided for under subsection (2) must include, but are not limited to— (a) specialist services for adult victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence, (b) specialist services for child victims of exploitation, sexual abuse and domestic abuse, (c) specialist advocacy and community-based services for victims with specific needs including (but not limited to)— (i) child victims, (ii) Deaf and disabled victims, (iii) Black and minoritised victims, and (iv) LGBTQ+ victims, in compliance with the Public Sector Equality Duty. (5) In this section— “child criminal exploitation” has the meaning given in the Crime and Policing Act 2025; “relevant authorities” has the meaning given in section 13 of the Victims and Prisoners Act 2025.” New clause 11— Duty to commission support services for caregivers of victims of abuse and exploitation — (1) This section applies in respect of victims of offences relating to— (a) domestic abuse, (b) sexual violence, or (c) child criminal exploitation, where the victim— (i) at the time of the offence, was under the age of 18, or (ii) is an adult at risk of harm. (2) It is the duty of relevant authorities to commission sufficient and specific services for the parent, guardian or person who has responsibility for the victim under subsection (1) for the purpose of securing the rights of the victim under the Victims Code of Practice for England and Wales. (3) Victim is defined as outlined in Section 1 of the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024. (4) The services commissioned and provided under subsection (2) must be— (a) appropriate to the needs of the caregiver in supporting the victim, (b) trauma-informed and culturally competent, and (c) accessible without unreasonable delay or procedural burden. (5) In exercising their duty under this section, relevant authorities must have regard to guidance issued by the Secretary of State. (6) The Secretary of State must publish such guidance within six months of the passing of this Act, following consultation with relevant stakeholders including— (a) victim support organisations, (b) organisations representing children and vulnerable adults, and (c) persons with lived-experience of the effects of sexual or violent offences. (7) In this section— “child criminal exploitation” has the meaning given in the Crime and Policing Act 2025, “adult at risk of harm” means a person aged 18 or over who— (a) has needs for care and support, (b) is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect, and (c) as a result of those needs is unable to protect themselves against the abuse or neglect or the risk of it, and “relevant authorities” has the meaning given in section 13 of the Victims and Prisoners Act 2025.” New clause 12— Application of the Victims’ Code in respect of victims of murder, manslaughter or infanticide abroad — (1) The Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 is amended as follows. (2) After section 2, insert— “2A Application of the victims’ code in respect of victims of murder, manslaughter or infanticide abroad (1) This section applies in respect of victims as defined under section 1(2)(c) who are a close relative of a British National resident in England and Wales, who was the victim of— (a) murder; (b) manslaughter; or (c) infanticide, committed outside the UK. (2) The Secretary of State must by regulations issue an appendix to the victims’ code, setting out how the code applies to victims in the circumstances set out in subsection (1). (3) The appendix must set out the services to be provided to victims as defined under subsection (1) by those persons based in England and Wales appearing to the Secretary of State to have functions of a public nature relating to— (a) victims, or (b) any aspect of the criminal justice system. (4) The appendix must make provision for services based in England and Wales which reflect the principles that victims require— (a) information to help them understand the criminal justice process; (b) access to services within England and Wales which provide them with emotional and practical support (including, where appropriate, specialist services); (c) in circumstances where the criminal justice process is engaged in England and Wales, the opportunity to make their views heard in the criminal justice process; and (d) the ability to challenge decisions which have a direct impact on them. (5) In setting out the services to be provided to victims under this section, the Secretary of State must specify the following: (a) how such services will be provided with accessible information; (b) how they access emotional and practical support.”” This new clause requires the Secretary of State to create an appendix to the Victims’ Code which outlines how the code applies to victims whose close relative was the victim of murder, manslaughter or infanticide outside the UK. New clause 15— Right to referral to restorative justice services — (1) A victim of an offence has the right, at any stage following the commission of the offence, to receive from a relevant criminal justice body— (a) information about the availability and purpose of restorative justice services; and (b) a meaningful referral to restorative justice services, where those services are available. (2) A referral under subsection (1) must be made— (a) as soon as is reasonably practicable after the offender is identified; and (b) at subsequent appropriate stages of the criminal justice process (including pre-charge, post-charge, and post-conviction) or if requested by the victim. (3) In exercising the right under this section, a victim must at all times give informed consent, and participation in any restorative justice process shall be voluntary. (4) A relevant criminal justice body must maintain a record (in such form as may be prescribed by regulations) of— (a) the times when referrals under subsection (1) are made; and (b) statistical information on how many victims accept, decline, or do not respond to referrals. (5) For the purposes of this section, “relevant criminal justice body” includes (but is not limited to) the— (a) police; (b) Crown Prosecution Service; (c) His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service; (d) courts; and (e) Commissioned victim service providers. (6) The victims’ code must include provision consistent with this section for— (a) the form, timing, and content of information to be given to victims about restorative justice; (b) mechanisms and standards for referral and re-referral; and (c) oversight and review of compliance with this section. (7) In this section “restorative justice services” means services facilitating a process through which a victim and offender (or their representatives) may, with appropriate support, voluntarily engage to deal with the harm arising from the offence by means of a facilitated dialogue or meeting such as conferencing, or indirect exchanges of communication via trained practitioners.” This new clause seeks to strengthen victims’ statutory rights to access restorative justice services. New clause 16— Duty to report on the use of restorative justice services — (1) The Secretary of State must, within a year of the passing of this Act, undertake an assessment of the use of restorative justice services by victims in England and Wales. (2) The assessment under subsection (1) must consider— (a) the level of use of restorative justice services; (b) recommendations for increasing the use of restorative justice services; and (c) any other matters that the Secretary of State deems appropriate. (3) The Secretary of State must lay a copy of the assessment before Parliament. (4) In this section “restorative justice services” means services facilitating a process through which a victim and offender (or their representatives) may, with appropriate support, voluntarily engage to deal with the harm arising from the offence by means such as mediation, conferencing, or reparation, under standards of safety and fairness.” This new clause would require the Secretary of State to carry out an assessment of the level of use of restorative justice services, and make recommendations for increasing their use. New clause 17— The Victims’ Code: right to veto licence conditions relating to an offender’s release — The Secretary of State must, within 3 months of the passing of this Act, revise the Victims’ Code to ensure that a victim of a serious or violent offence has a right of veto over licence conditions relating to the release of an offender from prison, including temporary release, which fails to reasonably prevent an offender travelling to specific locations and provide adequate protections to the victim.” This new clause gives victims of a serious or violent offence a right of veto over licence conditions relating to the release of an offender from prison. New clause 18— Victim navigators — (1) The Secretary of State must, with six months of the passing of this Act, make provision for each police force in England and Wales to have access to one or more independent victim navigators. (2) The purpose of an independent victim navigator under subsection (1) is to— (a) liaise between the police force and potential victims of offences relating to slavery or human trafficking; and (b) assist in the provision of specialist advice for either the police force or the potential victims. (3) The Secretary of State may by regulations provide further guidance on the functions of independent victim navigators. (4) Regulations under this section shall be made by statutory instrument, and may not be made unless a draft has been laid before and approved by resolution of each House of Parliament.” This new clause seeks to introduce provisions for Independent Victim Navigators to be in operation on a national level in England and Wales, acting as a liaison between the police and potential victim of slavery or human trafficking in accessing the appropriate support. New clause 19— Requirement for Strategic Planning and Funding of Victim Support Services — (1) Each local authority and relevant authority must prepare and maintain a victim support strategy setting out how they will meet the needs of individuals affected by— (a) offences related to domestic or family-related abuse, (b) sexual offences, and (c) offences related to child criminal exploitation, in accordance with their rights under the victims’ code. (2) Strategies prepared under subsection (1) must include— (a) identification of gaps in existing services, (b) specific plans to fund and deliver services for adults and children, (c) measures to ensure accessibility for victims with particular needs, including (but not limited to) those who are disabled, deaf, from racially minoritised communities, or LGBTQ+. (3) Any body subject to a duty under subsection (1) must report annually to the Secretary of State on progress in implementing their victim support strategy, including outcomes for service users. (4) For the purposes of this section— “victim” has the meaning given in section 1 of the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024; “child criminal exploitation” has the meaning given in the Crime and Policing Act 2025; and “relevant authority” has the meaning given in section 13 of the Victims and Prisoners Act 2025.” This new clause would require local authorities and other relevant bodies to prepare victim support strategies for meeting the needs of victims of offences relating to domestic or family-related abuse, sexual offences, or child criminal exploitation. New clause 20— Duty to report on availability of support services for carers of victims — (1) Relevant authorities must prepare an annual report on the availability, accessibility, and adequacy of support services for carers of victims affected by— (a) offences related to domestic or family-related abuse, (b) sexual offences, and (c) offences related to child criminal exploitation, provided for the purpose of securing the rights of the victim under the victims’ code. (2) A report produced under subsection (1) must include— (a) an assessment of gaps in existing services for carers, (b) the types of support available, including emotional, practical, and advocacy services, (c) measures in place to ensure accessibility for carers with specific needs, including those who are disabled, blind, deaf, from racially minoritised communities, or LGBTQ+, and (d) planned actions to improve service provision where gaps are identified. (3) Relevant authorities with a duty under subsection (1) must publish the report and submit a copy to the Secretary of State no later than six months after the end of each financial year. (4) For the purposes of this section— “carer” means any individual providing unpaid support to a victim as defined in section 1 of the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024, “child criminal exploitation” has the meaning given in the Crime and Policing Act 2025, and “relevant authority” has the meaning given in section 13 of the Victims and Prisoners Act 2025.” This new clause would require relevant authorities to prepare an annual report on the availability, accessibility, and adequacy of support services for carers of individuals victims affected by offences relating to domestic or family-related abuse, sexual offences, or child criminal exploitation. New clause 21— Duty of the Secretary of State to make a statement following publication of reviews or reports relating to the experience of victims in the criminal justice system — (1) This section applies where any review, report, or inquiry— (a) is commissioned, conducted, or sponsored (in whole or in part) by the Secretary of State or the Victims’ Commissioner, and (b) relates to the experience of victims in the criminal justice system. (2) Within two weeks of the date of publication, the Secretary of State must make a statement to both Houses of Parliament setting out— (a) the principal findings and recommendations of the review, report, or inquiry, and (b) the Government’s initial response, including any intended actions or further consideration to be undertaken. (3) The statement under subsection (2) must be made by oral statement unless exceptional circumstances make a written ministerial statement more appropriate. (4) For the purposes of this section a review, report, or inquiry may be statutory or non-statutory. (5) The Secretary of State must publish guidance on the operation of this section within three months of the passing of this Act.” This new clause would require the Secretary of State for Justice to make a statement to Parliament within two weeks of the publication of any review, report, or inquiry relating to the experience of victims in the criminal justice system, including those commissioned or conducted by the Victims’ Commissioner. The statement must summarise the findings and set out the Government’s initial response. Amendment 8, in clause 3, page 6, leave out lines 1 and 2 and insert “for a serious sexual offence committed against a child.” This amendment would extend the provision of restricting parental responsibility where a parent is sentenced for a serious sexual offence committed against a child, regardless of whether it is their child or on the length of sentence handed down. Amendment 1, page 6, line 1, leave out “of 4 years or more”. This amendment would ensure that where a person is sent to prison because of a sexual offence the court would be under a duty to make a prohibited steps order. Government amendment 10. Amendment 2, page 6, line 2, leave out “for whom the offender has parental responsibility.” This amendment would ensure the court was under a duty to make a prohibited steps order where anyone is sent to prison because of a sexual offence against a child, whether or not that child was one for which they had parental responsibility. Amendment 3, page 6, line 20, leave out from “section” to end of line 25 and insert— “ceases to have effect if the offender is acquitted of the offence on appeal. (5A) A prohibited steps order made under this section does not cease to have effect if the sentence is reduced, on appeal, so that it is no longer a life sentence or a term of imprisonment or detention of 4 years or more.” This amendment would ensure that a prohibited steps order would cease to have effect if the offender is acquitted of the offence on appeal. It would also require that a prohibited steps order remain in effect where a sentence is reduced on appeal so that it is no longer a life sentence or a term of imprisonment or detention of four years or more. Government amendments 11 to 21. Amendment 4, in clause 11, page 12, line 21, at end insert— “(aa) in that sub-paragraph omit “28” and insert “56”” This amendment increases the window for applying to the Unduly Lenient Sentences Scheme from 28 days to 56 days. Amendment 5, page 12, line 23, after “(2)” insert— “unless an application is made by a victim, or their deceased victim’s next of kin, in which case notice of an application shall be given within one year.” This amendment increases the window for applying to the Unduly Lenient Sentences Scheme to one year for a victim of a crime or a deceased victim’s next of kin. Amendment 6, page 12, line 29, leave out “28” and insert “56”. This amendment is contingent on Amendment 4. Amendment 7, page 12, line 39, at end insert— “(5) In accordance with the provision under sub-paragraph (1) the Crown Prosecution Service must write to the victim, or a deceased victim’s next of kin, within 10 working days of the sentence being delivered to make them aware of their ability to apply for a review of sentencing.” This amendment is contingent on Amendment 5. It would require the CPS to write to a victim, or a deceased victim’s next of kin, within 10 working days of a sentence being delivered to make them aware of their ability to apply for a review.

• 27 Oct 2025 · Points of Order · Hansard source

  More

  Order. For clarity’s sake, the issue is the calling of a Member of this House a racist.

• 27 Oct 2025 · Points of Order · Hansard source

  More

  Order. Can the hon. Lady please reflect on her language and withdraw the remark about another hon. Member in this place?

• 27 Oct 2025 · Points of Order · Hansard source

  More

  Order. I am having to say this time and again—can you please consider withdrawing the comment about a Member of this House being a racist?

• 27 Oct 2025 · Points of Order · Hansard source

  More

  I thank the hon. Member for his point of order. It is a very interesting idea. The principles are set out in the code of conduct, but I will ensure that Mr Speaker is aware of his comments. Royal Assent

• 27 Oct 2025 · Points of Order · Hansard source

  More

  Has the hon. Member informed the hon. Member for Runcorn and Helsby that she intended to refer to her in the Chamber?

• 27 Oct 2025 · Points of Order · Hansard source

  More

  Order. It is not about the comment that the hon. Member is referring to; it is the fact that she called the Member in question a racist that is an issue. Can she please reflect on her remarks, in which she has called a Member of this House a racist, and stick to the comments being racist instead? It may be that the hon. Member considers that to be dancing on the head of a pin, but it is important that we all act with respect and set an example to the country.

• 27 Oct 2025 · Points of Order · Hansard source

  More

  The Chair is not responsible for comments made by individual Members outside of this place. If the hon. Member considers that there has been a breach of the code of conduct, the proper procedure is to complain to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards.

• 27 Oct 2025 · Points of Order · Hansard source

  More

  I thank the hon. Member for her point of order, and for confirming that she notified the hon. Member for Runcorn and Helsby in advance of making it. Mr Speaker has always been clear that Members intending to visit a colleague’s constituency, except for purely private purposes, must inform that colleague in advance.

• 27 Oct 2025 · Points of Order · Hansard source

  More

  I have to notify the House, in accordance with the Royal Assent Act 1967, that His Majesty has signified his Royal Assent to the following Acts: Bus Services Act 2025 Deprivation of Citizenship Orders (Effect during Appeal) Act 2025 Renters’ Rights Act 2025 Absent Voting (Elections in Scotland and Wales) Bill 2025 General Cemetery Act 2025.

• 15 Oct 2025 · Sustainable Aviation Fuel Bill · Hansard source

  More

  With this it will be convenient to discuss the following: New clause 2— Review of the supply of bioethanol for use in sustainable aviation fuel production— “(1) The Secretary of State must, within six months of the passing of this Act, publish and lay before Parliament a report reviewing measures to encourage the supply of materials for sustainable aviation fuel. (2) The report under subsection (1) must include— (a) an assessment of the impact of the closure of bioethanol plants on the ability to encourage overall increases in sustainable aviation fuel production; (b) options for mitigating any adverse impacts on the availability of supply of sustainable aviation fuel by the closure of bioethanol plants; (c) recommendations for any necessary Government action to promote a stable supply of bioethanol for sustainable aviation fuel.” This new clause would require the Secretary of State to lay before Parliament a report outlining measures to encourage the supply of materials for SAFs, including considering the impact of bioethanol plant closures on encouragement to increase supply. New clause 3— Increasing greenhouse gas saving potential of sustainable aviation fuel— “(1) The Secretary of State must, within six months of the day on which this Act is passed, publish and lay before Parliament a report which sets out a strategy for increasing the greenhouse gas emission saving resulting from the promotion of sustainable aviation fuel production in the United Kingdom. (2) The report required under subsection (1) must include, but not be limited to— (a) proposals for incentivising the research and development of sustainable aviation fuels that maximise greenhouse gas emission savings; (b) an assessment of, and recommendations for increases to, the minimum required greenhouse gas emission reduction in order for a sustainable aviation fuel to be issued a SAF certificate; (c) an assessment of, and recommendations for increases to, minimum ratios for renewable content in blended sustainable aviation fuels, for the purpose of more quickly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. (3) Twelve months after the publication of the report required under subsection (1) and within every twelve months thereafter, the Secretary of State must publish a further report which— (a) sets out progress against the strategy; and (b) makes any necessary adjustments to the strategy as a result of developments in the sustainable aviation fuel industry. (4) In this section, “SAF certificate” has the meaning given in article 2 of the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligations (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) Order 2024.” New clause 4— Reporting of Sustainable Aviation Fuel targets — “(1) The Renewable Transport Fuel Obligations (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) Order 2024 is amended as set out in this section. (2) In paragraph (3), after sub-paragraph (5) insert— “(5A) The Secretary of State may vary the table in paragraph (7) in order to increase the obligation in any given year.” (3) In sub-paragraph 33(2)(c) leave out “, and” (4) After sub-paragraph 33(2)(d), insert “and (e) consider whether the SAF obligation set out in the table in sub-paragraph 3(7) of this Order should be increased for any given year, and if so, set out steps the Secretary of State will take to effect such an increase.” (5) After paragraph 33(2) insert— “(2A) A copy of a report published under this article must— (a) be laid before Parliament; and (b) be sent to the relevant select committee of each House of Parliament. (2B) In sub-paragraph 33(2A)(b), “the relevant select committee” is— (a) in the House of Commons, the Transport Committee, provided that— (i) if the name of that Committee is changed, reference is instead taken to mean the new name, and (ii) if the functions of that Committee with respect to Sustainable Aviation Fuel become functions of a different committee of the House of Commons, reference is instead taken to the committee by whom the functions are then exercisable; (b) in the House of Lords, any such Committee as the Chairman of Committees may appoint.”” New clause 5— Air travel providers’ use of sustainable aviation fuel: reporting requirements — “(1) Within six months of the passing of this Act, the Secretary of State must, by regulations, establish a requirement for air travel providers to report annually on their use of sustainable aviation fuel. (2) Regulations made under subsection (1) must specify— (a) that the annual reports include figures for sustainable aviation fuel usage which can be easily understood, including expressed as— (i) an absolute volume, and (ii) proportion of all aviation fuel used; and (b) that the annual reports are accessible to members of the public including by being made available on their websites. (3) Any regulations made under subsection (1) must be made under the negative procedure.” New clause 6— Economic Impact of the Act— “(1) The Secretary of State must lay before Parliament a report on the economic impact of the Act. (2) This report must include, but shall not be limited to— (a) the impact on the UK’s aviation fuel industry; (b) the impact on the UK’s sustainable aviation fuel supply including the impact on all small, medium and large producers and potential importers of sustainable aviation fuel; (c) the impact on international and domestic tourism in the UK; and (d) the impact on passenger air fares. (3) The report required by subsection (1) must be laid before Parliament within one year of this Act being passed.” New clause 7— Targets for power-to-liquid aviation fuel usage — “(1) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the passing of this Act, conduct a review of the power-to-liquid aviation fuel targets as set out in section (3) of the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligations (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) Order 2024. (2) The review carried out under subsection (1) must only consider— (a) the effectiveness of the existing power-to-liquid aviation fuel target and; (b) whether the target should be increased. (3) In carrying out the review under subsection (1) the Secretary of State must consult with— (a) producers of power-to-liquid aviation fuel; (b) airlines; (c) experts in sustainable aviation fuel production; and (d) any other persons the Secretary of State deems appropriate. (4) A report setting out the findings of the review must be published and laid before both Houses of Parliament.” Government amendment 1. Amendment 10, in clause 1, page 2, line 4, at end insert— “(4A) The terms under subsection (4)(c) must include a requirement for the producer to consider the longevity of supply and relative environmental impact when prioritising between organic and synthetic derived sustainable aviation fuel solutions.” Government amendments 2 to 5. Amendment 11, in clause 6, page 4, line 19, leave out from “pay” to end of line 22 and insert “to the designated counterparty in each month a standardised levy on their relevant disposals of aviation fuel products in the preceding month that must be publicised on invoices expressed in pence per standard litre.” This amendment requires the Secretary of State to set a standardised levy rate payable by all suppliers of aviation fuel, that must be publicised by suppliers of aviation fuel on invoices to their customers. Government amendment 6. Amendment 8, in clause 12, page 7, line 6, at end insert— “(3) A direction given under subsection (1) must include a requirement for the designated counterparty to report on— (a) the impact of any revenue certainty contract on the fluctuation of the average price to consumers of an airfare over the proceeding 12 month period; (b) a projection of the expected impact of any revenue certainty contract on the fluctuation of the average price to consumers of an airfare over the following five year period. (4) A report under paragraph (a) must be made within one year of the date of Royal Assent to this Act and annually thereafter. (5) The Secretary of State must lay a report made under paragraph 3(a) before Parliament.” This amendment would require the designated counterparty to report on the impact that the revenue certainty mechanism has on passenger air fares. Amendment 9, page 7, line 6, at end insert— “(3) A direction given under subsection (1) must include a requirement for the designated counterparty, where a venue certainty contract would result in a new production facility, to prioritise entering into any such contracts with producers that will use UK owned technologies in that facility.” This amendment would require the designated counterparty to prioritise UK-based technology when entering contracts. Amendment 12, page 7, line 6, at end insert— “(3) Within twelve months of the passing of this Act, the Secretary of State must make a direction under subsection (1) which requires the designated counter party to prioritise entering at least one revenue certainty contract with a producer of Power to Liquid sustainable aviation fuel if doing so will allow for at least one plant to reach Final Investment Decision by 31 December 2026.” Government amendment 7.

• 15 Oct 2025 · Sustainable Aviation Fuel Bill · Hansard source

  More

  I thank the hon. Gentleman for his point of order. While that is not a matter for the Chair, I am sure that those on the Treasury Bench will have heard what he said. Bill read the Third time and passed.

• 15 Oct 2025 · Point of Order · Hansard source

  More

  I thank the hon. Member for giving notice of her point of order. She has now helpfully placed on the record her thanks to those responsible for the exhibition and I will ensure that Mr Speaker is made aware of that gratitude, so that it can be passed on to staff.

• 15 Oct 2025 · Pride in Place · Hansard source

  More

  For the final question, I call Richard Burgon.

• 14 Oct 2025 · Points of Order · Hansard source

  More

  I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his point of order, but as is usual practice, when the Bill is presented, it will be available in the Vote Office.

• 14 Oct 2025 · Points of Order · Hansard source

  More

  I thank the hon. Member for giving notice of her point of order, and I am aware that she has notified the hon. Member for Keighley and Ilkley in advance of raising this matter in the Chamber. Although it is not strictly a point of order for the Chair, Mr Speaker takes the security and safety of Members very seriously, and I would always encourage Members to treat each other with courtesy and respect. Bills Presented Northern Ireland Troubles Bill Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Secretary Hilary Benn, supported by Secretary John Healey and Secretary David Lammy, presented a Bill to make new provision to address the legacy of the Northern Ireland Troubles. Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time tomorrow, and to be printed (Bill 310) with explanatory notes (Bill 310—EN). Hospices and Palliative Care Bill Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Alison Bennett, supported by Helen Morgan, Helen Maguire, Dr Danny Chambers, Ian Sollom, Pippa Heylings and Charlotte Cane, presented a Bill to place a duty on the Secretary of State to ensure the availability of hospice services for all people at the end of life; to require the Secretary of State to report annually to Parliament on the adequacy of funding for children’s and adult hospice services, including an assessment of whether any funding increases are necessary to maintain such services; to require the Secretary of State to publish a five year plan for hospice funding; to make provision about the availability of specialist palliative care in emergency care services in hospitals; to make provision about supporting patients receiving palliative care in the community in certain circumstances; to require the Secretary of State to prepare and publish a workforce plan for hospice services; to require palliative care advice to be available through non-emergency NHS advice services; and for connected purposes. Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time Friday 31 October, and to be printed (Bill 311). Young Carers (Educational and Employment Support) Bill Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) Liz Jarvis, supported by Daisy Cooper, Alison Bennett, Rachael Maskell, Mr Will Forster, Sorcha Eastwood, Dr Ellie Chowns, Cameron Thomas, Alex Brewer, Sarah Dyke, Siân Berry and Tessa Munt, presented a Bill to require schools to maintain a record of pupils with caring responsibilities; to make provision about support in schools for pupils with caring responsibilities, including requiring schools to designate a member of staff as having responsibility for supporting young carers; to require schools to provide specified academic and other support to pupils with caring responsibilities, including support in relation to public examinations and provision of counselling; to make provision about support for future employment for pupils with caring responsibilities, including through mentoring and a programme of skills development; and for connected purposes. Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on Friday 31 October, and to be printed (Bill 308).

• 14 Oct 2025 · Mental Health Bill [Lords] · Hansard source

  More

  With this it will be convenient to discuss the following: New clause 3— Impact assessment: children and young people in temporary foster care — “(1) The Secretary of State must, within 18 months of the passing of this Act, publish and lay before Parliament an impact assessment on the impact of this Act on children and young people who are in temporary foster care. (2) The impact assessment under this section must consider— (a) whether the ordinary residence provisions result in delays or inequities in accessing treatment or after-care under this Act; (b) the effect of transitions between placements on continuity of treatment under this Act; and (c) any unintended consequences for children and young people in temporary foster care arising from the application of subsections (3) to (5) of section 125G of the Mental Health Act 1983.” This new clause would require the Government to publish an impact assessment on the impact of this Act on children and young people in temporary foster care. New clause 4— Adequacy of accommodation: review — “(1) The Mental Health Bill 1983 is amended as follows. (2) After Section 131A (Accommodation etc. for children) insert— ‘ 131B Adequacy of accommodation (1) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the passage of the Mental Health Act 2025, publish a review of the quality of accommodation for any patient who is— (a) liable to be detained in a hospital under this Act; (b) admitted to, or remains in, a hospital in pursuance of such arrangements as are mentioned in section 131(1) above. (2) The Secretary of State must, within six months of the publication of the review under subsection (1), publish a strategy to implement the recommendations of that review.’” This new clause would require a review of the quality of accommodation for people detained or admitted to hospital under the Mental Health Act 1983 and require the Secretary of State to publish a strategy to implement the recommendations of this review. New clause 5— Review of impact of this Act on detention — “(1) The Secretary of State must, within a period of 12 months following the day on which this Act is passed, commission an independent review into the impact of relevant provisions on reducing the number of people detained under Part 2 of the Mental Health Act 1983. (2) In subsection (1), ‘relevant provisions’ include— (a) sections 4, 5 and 6, (b) section 8, (c) section 21, and (d) sections 46 and 47. (3) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the publication of the review in subsection (1), publish a strategy to implement the recommendations of that review.” This new clause would require the Secretary of State to commission a review into the impact of relevant provisions in the Act in reducing the number of people detained, in particular the provisions relating to people with autism or a learning disability, on grounds for detention and for community treatment orders, medical treatment, care and treatment plans, and on after-care, and to implement any recommendations within 12 months of the publication of the review. New clause 6— Transfer of patients: out of area placements — “(1) The Mental Health Act 1983 is amended as follows. (2) After section 19 (transfer of patients), insert— ‘ 19A Transfer of patients: out of area placements (1) The Secretary of State must reduce to zero, within five years of the passage of the Mental Health Act 2025, the number of patients transferred to a hospital outside of the area in which the patient is ordinarily resident. (2) The Secretary of State must publish, within six months of the passage of the Mental Health Act 2025, a report to outline how the duty under this section will be met, including how provision for treatment under this Act will be increased.’” This new clause would require the transfer of patients to hospitals outside of their area to be reduced to zero within 5 years, and for the Secretary of State to produce a report on how this will be achieved. New clause 7— Children detained on adult wards — “(1) The Mental Health Act 1983 is amended as follows. (2) After section 131A (Accommodation, etc. for children), insert— ‘ 131B Children detained on adult wards (1) The Secretary of State must reduce to zero, within five years of the passage of the Mental Health Act 2025, the number of children detained on adult wards. (2) The Secretary of State must publish, within six months of the passage of the Mental Health Act 2025, a report to outline how the duty under this section will be met, including how provision for treatment under this Act will be increased.’” This new clause would require the number of children detained on adult wards to be reduced to zero within 5 years, and for the Secretary of State to produce a report on how this will be achieved. New clause 8— Report on the impact of this Act on patients with eating disorders — “(1) Within a period of 12 months following the day on which this Act is passed, the Secretary of State must publish a report on the impact of relevant provisions in this Act on patients with eating disorders. (2) In subsection (1), ‘relevant provisions’ include— (a) section 5 (Grounds for detention), (b) section 11 (Making treatment decisions), (c) section 17 (Urgent treatment to alleviate serious suffering), (d) section 21 (Care and treatment plans), and (e) section 47 (After-care services).” This new clause would require the Secretary of State to report on the impact of this Bill on patients with eating disorders within 12 months of the passage of this Bill. New clause 9— Report and Guidance: Improving Outcomes for LGBT Patients — “(1) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the day on which this Act is passed, prepare and lay before Parliament a report on the mental health outcomes of patients who are treated under the Mental Health Act 1983 and who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT). (2) The report under subsection (1) must include an assessment of— (a) any differences between non-LGBT patients and LGBT patients in— (i) the extent of the use of detention measures under the Mental Health Act 1983; and (ii) treatment outcomes following detention, and (b) the availability and accessibility of ‘culturally competent’ mental health treatment under the 1983 Act for LGBT patients. (3) Following publication of the report under subsection (1), the Secretary of State must publish guidance for responsible bodies and individuals working with patients under the Mental Health Act 1983, including but not limited to those working in— (a) mental health hospitals; (b) places of safety; (c) crisis accommodation; and (d) relevant community mental health services. (4) The guidance under subsection (3) must include— (a) provisions about updated training standards for staff regarding the specific mental health needs and experiences of LGBT individuals, including training on non-discriminatory practice and inclusive communication approaches; (b) steps to improve safety for LGBT patients in relevant mental health settings, with particular regard to addressing discrimination and harassment; and (c) a definition of ‘cultural competent mental health treatment’ for the purposes of subsection (2). (5) Responsible bodies and individuals working with patients under the Mental Health Act 1983 must have regard to guidance published under subsection (3). (6) In preparing the report under subsection (1) and the guidance under subsection (3), the Secretary of State must consult— (a) patients with a mental disorder who identify as LGBT; (b) the families or carers of patients with a mental disorder who identify as LGBT; (c) relevant professional bodies; (d) integrated care boards; (e) local authorities; (f) providers of mental health treatment; and (g) such other persons as the Secretary of State considers appropriate. (7) The Secretary of State must update the guidance under subsection (3) at regular intervals, and no less frequently than every three years.” This new clause would require the Secretary of State to report on mental health outcomes and disparities for LGBT patients in treatment under the Mental Health Act 1983 and publish guidance covering training and safety for this specific group. New clause 10— Report and Guidance: Transition to Adult Mental Health Treatment — “(1) The Secretary of State must, within 18 months of passing of this Act, prepare and lay before Parliament a report on improving provision for patients transitioning from treatment in a hospital environment for children and young people to one for adults when they attain the age of 18. (2) The report under subsection (1) must include an assessment of— (a) the current pathways and outcomes for young people transitioning between hospital environments for children and for adults; (b) any gaps in care or support experienced by patients during this transition; (c) best practices for ensuring safe and effective transitions. (3) Following the report under subsection (1), the Secretary of State must publish guidance for integrated care boards, local authorities, and providers of mental health treatment on improving outcomes and ensuring continuity of care for patients transitioning to a hospital environment for adults. (4) The guidance under subsection (3) must include— (a) specific steps to guarantee continuity of care for patients transitioning between treatment in a hospital environment for children and young people and one for adults; (b) measures to identify young people requiring transition support at an appropriate stage; (c) provisions for joint working and information sharing between providers of treatment for children and young people and for adults; (d) requirements for the review and updating of care and treatment plans to reflect the needs of patients transitioning to a hospital environment for adults. (5) Integrated care boards, local authorities, and providers of mental health treatment must have regard to guidance published under subsection (3). (6) In preparing the report under subsection (1) and the guidance under subsection (3), the Secretary of State must consult— (a) young people with experience of transitioning between children and young people’s and adult mental health services, and their carers and guardians; (b) relevant professional bodies; (c) integrated care boards; (d) local authorities; (e) providers of mental health treatment; (f) such other persons as the Secretary of State considers appropriate. (7) The Secretary of State must update the guidance under subsection (3) at regular intervals, and no less frequently than every three years.” This new clause would require the Secretary of State to review and report on the transition of patients from children's to adult mental health settings for treatment at age 18 and publish guidance for relevant bodies on improving provision and ensuring continuity of care during this transition. New clause 11— Reporting: racial disparities relating to community treatment orders — “(1) Within a period of 12 months following the day on which this Act is passed, the Secretary of State must undertake a review of racial disparities which relate to the use and administering of community treatment orders. (2) The review under subsection (1) must include, but is not limited to— (a) an assessment of whether certain racial or ethnic groups are disproportionately represented among individuals subject to community treatment orders compared to their representation in the general population; (b) a review of the outcomes and effectiveness of community treatment orders across different racial groups, including health outcomes, and patient experiences. (3) The Secretary of State must lay a report of the findings of the review before Parliament within 18 months of the day on which this Act is passed.” This new clause seeks to gauge the Government’s view on prevalent racial disparities as they relate to the use of community treatment orders under the Act. New clause 12— Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space — “(1) Any person detained under sections 3, 37, 41 or 47 of the Mental Health Act 1983 must be offered support from the mental health crisis breathing space debt respite scheme.” This new clause ensures that MHCBS, a debt respite scheme, is offered and available to patients detained under sections 3, 37, 41 and 47 of the Mental Health Act 1983. New clause 13— Addressing and reporting on racial disparities and other inequalities in the use of the Mental Health Act 1983 — “After section 120D of the Mental Health Act 1983, insert— ‘ 120E Mental health units and services to have a responsible person (1) A relevant health organisation that operates a mental health unit or community mental health service for qualifying patients must appoint a responsible person for that unit or service for the purposes of addressing racial disparities and other disparities based on protected characteristics related to functions discharged under the Mental Health Act 1983. (2) The responsible person must— (a) be employed by the relevant health organisation, and (b) be of an appropriate level of seniority. (3) Where a relevant health organisation operates more than one mental health unit or service, that organisation must appoint a single responsible person in relation to all of the mental health units or services operated by that organisation. (4) A patient is a qualifying patient if they are— (a) liable to be detained under this Act, otherwise than by virtue of section 4 or 5(2) or (4) or section 135 or 136; (b) subject to guardianship under this Act; (c) a community patient. 120F Policy on racial disparities and other disparities based on protected characteristics (1) The responsible person must publish a policy on how the unit plans to reduce racial disparities and other disparities based on protected characteristics in that unit or service. (2) The policy published under subsection (1) must cover the following topics— (a) the application of the guiding principles to all aspects of operation of this Act; (b) staff knowledge and competence in connection with promoting equality and anti-discriminatory practice in relation to this Act; (c) workforce demographics, recruitment, retention and progression; (d) implementation of the patient and carer race equality framework (England only) and any other requirements of relevant national policies; (e) care planning and decision-making in the use of this Act including section 56A (making treatment decisions); (f) the availability of alternatives to detention and involuntary treatment; (g) take-up of independent mental health advocacy; (h) the cultural appropriateness of independent mental health advocacy; (i) access to and use of advance choice documents; (j) what steps will be taken to reduce racial disparities and other disparities based on protected characteristics in that unit or service. (3) Where a responsible person is appointed in relation to all of the mental health units operated by a relevant health organisation, the responsible person must publish a single policy under subsection (1) in relation to those units or services. (4) Before publishing a policy under subsection (1), the responsible person must— (a) consult any persons that the responsible person considers appropriate; (b) have regard to the following matters— (i) the views, wishes and feelings of people from ethnic minority communities who have been detained; (ii) the views, wishes and feelings of people with other protected characteristics who have been detained. (5) The responsible person must keep under review any policy published under this section. (6) The responsible person may from time to time revise any policy published under this section and, if this is done, must publish the policy as revised. (7) If the responsible person considers that any revisions would amount to a substantial change in the policy, the responsible person must consult any persons that the responsible person considers appropriate before publishing the revised policy. 120G Training in racial disparities and other disparities based on protected characteristics (1) The responsible person for each mental health unit or service must provide training for staff that relates to addressing racial disparities and other disparities based on protected characteristics in that unit or service. (2) The training provided under subsection (1) must include training on the topics covered in section 120F(2). (3) Subject to subsection (4), training must be provided— (a) in the case of a person who is a member of staff when this section comes into force, as soon as reasonably practicable after this section comes into force, or (b) in the case of a person who becomes a member of staff after this section comes into force, as soon as reasonably practicable after they become a member of staff. (4) Subsection (3) does not apply if the responsible person considers that any training provided to the person before this section came into force or before the person became a member of staff— (a) was given sufficiently recently, and (b) is of an equivalent standard to the training provided under this section. (5) Refresher training must be provided at regular intervals whilst a person is a member of staff. (6) In subsection (5) “refresher training” means training that updates or supplements the training provided under subsection (1). 120H Annual report by the Secretary of State (1) As soon as reasonably practicable after the end of each calendar year, the Secretary of State must conduct a review in consultation with relevant bodies with commissioning functions on the use of treatment and detention measures contained in the Mental Health Act 1983 broken down by race and other demographic information. (2) Having conducted a review under subsection (1), the Secretary of State must publish a report on the progress made in reducing inequalities in treatment outcomes and the use of detention measures in the use of this Act on people who have protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.’” This new clause requires mental health units and services to appoint a responsible person tasked with addressing racial disparities related to functions discharged under the Mental Health Act 1983. New clause 14— General duty to secure sufficient resources for services in the community— “(1) It is the general duty of integrated care boards to ensure, insofar as is reasonably practical, that services in the community responsible for delivering care, treatment, or detention provisions under the Mental Health Act 1983 and this Act have the necessary resources, including financial support, to meet service demands. (2) Additional forms of resource may be determined by integrated care boards in consultation with relevant local authorities or health care service providers and may include— (a) sufficient numbers of trained medical professionals; (b) purpose-built facilities for patient care; (c) community services responsible for out-patient care. (3) Each Integrated Care Board must conduct an assessment of its resources every two years to evaluate its ability to deliver services in the community effectively. (4) Each Integrated Care Board must publish a report outlining its findings upon completing the assessment in subsection (3). The first reports must be published within one year of the passage of this Act.” This new clause places a general duty on integrated care boards to ensure that services in the community have the necessary level of resource to meet demand on services to ensure that the provisions of the Bill function as intended and to assess and report on this every 2 years. New clause 15— Report: statutory competency test for under-16s — “Within 12 months of day on which this Act is passed, the Secretary of State must undertake a review of whether a statutory competency test for under-16s in determining their ability to make a relevant decision would be expedient for the purposes of this Act or the Mental Health Act 1983.” This new clause requires the Secretary of State to undertake a review of whether a statutory competency test for under-16s would be expedient for the purposes of this Bill and the Mental Health Act 1983. New clause 16— Duty to promote mental health wellbeing — “After section 142B of the Mental Health Act 1983, insert— ‘ Duty to promote mental health wellbeing (1) It is a general duty of local authorities and anybody in carrying out functions under this Act or the Mental Health Act 2025 to promote mental health wellbeing. (2) In carrying out the duty under subsection (1), local authorities and commissioning bodies must have regard to— (a) the prevention of mental illness, (b) the promotion of positive mental health, (c) the reduction of stigma and discrimination associated with mental health conditions, and (d) the provision of accessible and appropriate support services to individuals experiencing mental health challenges. (3) Local authorities and commissioning bodies must publish an annual report outlining the steps taken to discharge their duty under subsection (1), including an assessment of— (a) progress in improving mental health wellbeing in their area for persons affected by the provisions of this Act, and (b) any barriers to promoting mental health wellbeing for such persons and proposed actions to address them. (4) The Secretary of State may issue guidance on the discharge of the duty under subsection (1), and local authorities and commissioning bodies must have regard to such guidance.’” This new clause would require local authorities and commissioning bodies to promote and report annually on mental health wellbeing, with regard to any guidance published by the Secretary of State. New clause 17— Funding and reporting — “(1) For each financial year until all sections of this Act have come into force, of the total health service expenditure by the bodies (taken together) in subsection (2), the proportion which relates to mental health spending— (a) under the Mental Health Act 1983, and (b) under this Act or which, in future, would be made under provision inserted into the Mental Health Act 1983 by this Act, (taken together) must not decrease. (2) The bodies are the Department of Health and Social Care, NHS England and integrated care boards.” This new clause would require that mental health spending as a proportion of health service expenditure must not decrease in the implementation period of the Act. New clause 18— Mental Health Commissioner — “After section 142B of the Mental Health Act 1983, insert— ‘ Mental Health Commissioner 142C Independent Mental Health Commissioner: establishment (1) There is to be an office known as the Office of the Mental Health Commissioner. (2) The Office in subsection (1) must be established by the Secretary of State three months after the day on which the Mental Health Act 2025 is passed. (3) The Office of the Mental Health Commissioner will be led by an individual appointed by the Secretary of State titled the “Independent Mental Health Commissioner”. (4) The role in subsection (3) is referred to as the “Mental Health Commissioner”. (5) The Mental Health Commissioner may appoint staff to the Office of the Mental Health Commissioner they consider necessary for assisting in the exercise of their functions in section 142D. 142D Functions of the Commissioner (1) The Mental Health Commissioner is responsible for overseeing the implementation and operability of functions discharged by relevant bodies and persons under the provisions of this Act, the Mental Health Act 1983, and the Mental Capacity Act 2025 particularly regarding the provision of treatment, care, and detention of people with a mental disorder. (2) The Mental Health Commissioner must publish an annual report on the use of functions discharged under this Act, which must assess— (a) the quality of mental health care treatment provided by relevant services; (b) the accessibility of mental health care treatment services; (c) the relationship between mental health and the criminal justice system; (d) inequalities of mental health care provision regarding protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010; (e) the use and effectiveness of detention measures under this Act, including but not limited to Community Treatment Orders, for the purposes of therapeutic benefit outlined in section 1(2B); (f) challenges surrounding stigma of mental health conditions; (g) the accessibility of advice and support to mental health service users, their families and carers on their legal rights; (h) other issues deemed appropriate by the Mental Health Commissioner. (3) In fulfilling their duties under subsection (1), the Mental Health Commissioner may review, and monitor the operation of, arrangements falling within subsection (1), (2) and (3) for the purpose of ascertaining whether, and to what extent, the arrangements are effective in promoting the principles in section 118(2B) of this Act. (4) Subject to any directions from the Secretary of State, the Commissioner may take action necessary or expedient in connection for the purposes of their functions. (5) This may include— (a) collaborating with health services, public authorities, charitable organisations, and other relevant entities, including NHS bodies, the Care Quality Commission, and the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman; (b) ensuring enforcement authorities and public bodies under the Mental Health Act 1983 have the necessary capacity and resources to adequately discharge duties under the Mental Health Act 1983 and this Act. 142E Appointment, Tenure, and Remuneration of the Mental Health Commissioner (1) The Secretary of State may by regulation make provision for the appointment, tenure, removal, and general terms of appointment of the Mental Health Commissioner. (2) The Secretary of State may also by regulation determine the Commissioner’s remuneration, allowances, and pension entitlements. 142F Examination of cases (1) The Secretary of State may, by regulations, make provision for the examination by the Mental Health Commissioner of the cases of those who are detained under this Act receiving treatment by authorised mental health care providers. (2) The Secretary of State may, by regulations, provide for the Office of the Mental Health Commissioner to access and examine relevant data on mental health treatment provision held by NHS England and any other authorities the Secretary of State considers appropriate. 142G Regulations A statutory instrument containing regulations under sections 142E and 142F may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament.’” This new clause establishes the office of the Mental Health Commissioner and makes provisions for relevant duties and responsibilities. New clause 19— Duty to provide advice and support to families and carers — “(1) The Mental Health Act 1983 is amended as follows. (2) After section 117B insert— ‘ 117C After-care: provision of support and advice to families and carers (1) The responsible integrated care board must ensure that, as part of the provision of after-care services under section 117 of this Act, advice and support is offered to the family or carers of the person discharged where the person consents. (2) This support must include— (a) information about the person’s condition and recovery; (b) guidance on how to support their recovery at home and avoid relapse; (c) access to financial, housing, and social care advice services relevant to the situation of the person’s family; and (d) procedures for family members or nominated persons to notify the integrated care board of concerns that the person is at future risk of detention under Part 2 of this Act. (3) Where a concern is raised under subsection (2)(d), the integrated care board must— (a) consider whether the individual meets criteria to be included on the register of persons at risk under section 125D of this Act; and (b) take reasonable steps to involve the family or nominated person in planning of subsequent support, subject to— (i) the person’s consent; or (ii) if they lack capacity, the person’s best interests. (4) The Secretary of State must publish guidance under section 125B of this Act on the format and provision of support under subsection (3)(b).’” This new clause would require the integrated care board, as part of the aftercare services offered under the Mental Health Act 1982, to offer support and advice to the family or carers of the person being discharged from treatment. New clause 21— Assessment for admission: clinicians with outstanding complaints— “(1) The Mental Health Act 1983 is amended as follows. (2) In Part II (Compulsory Admission to Hospital and Guardianship), after section 6 insert— ‘ 6a Assessment for admission: clinicians under investigation (1) For the purposes of the written recommendations required under sections 2(3) or and 3(3) of this Act, a recommendation may not be made by a medical practitioner who is, at the time of the assessment or written statement— (a) under investigation by the General Medical Council or the hospital due to concerns relating to the medical practitioner’s care of the patient being assessed; or (b) subject to a complaint to the General Medical Council or the hospital by the patient or the patient’s close associates. (2) The Secretary of State may by regulations make further provision under this section.’” This new clause would prevent a patient from being assessed to be detained by a doctor under investigation by the GMC or hospital trust, or subject to a complaint, in relation to their care of that patient. New clause 22— Veterans’ Mental Health Oversight Officer — “After section 142B of the Mental Health Act 1983 insert— ‘ Veterans’ Mental Health Oversight Officer 142C Veterans’ Mental Health Oversight Officer: establishment (1) The Secretary of State shall appoint a Veterans’ Mental Health Oversight Officer ("the Officer") to oversee the treatment and care of veterans under this Act. (2) The Officer shall— (a) oversee the cases of veterans who are— (i) at risk of detention under this Act; (ii) currently detained under this Act; or (iii) following detention under this Act, subject to community or outpatient treatment or other post-discharge mental health provisions; (b) advocate for mental health assessments and care tailored to veterans' service-related experiences; (c) collaborate with mental health professionals, veterans' services, legal representatives, and third-sector organisations to safeguard veterans' rights and well-being within relevant treatment settings; (d) promote diversion from detention where clinically appropriate, including the use of veteran-specific support services; and (e) submit an annual report to Parliament detailing— (i) detention rates of veterans under this Act; (ii) outcomes and recidivism rates for veterans detained under this Act; (iii) recommendations for service improvement. (3) In this section— “veteran” refers to a person who has served or currently serves in the armed forces of the United Kingdom or a Commonwealth nation; “relevant health authority” includes NHS England, regional NHS boards, or their successors.’” This new clause introduces a dedicated oversight role for veterans within the framework of the Mental Health Bill, recognising that service personnel have unique needs and experiences that need to be considered in mental health care and detention decisions. New clause 23— Mental Health Act: interim support for a child or adolescent at risk of detention— “(1) The Mental Health Act 1983 is amended as follows. (2) After section 33, insert— ‘ 33A Interim support for child and adolescent patients (1) Where a child or young person (“P”) is referred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services and— (a) P has not yet attended their first appointment, and (b) P is at risk of detention under this Part, in the opinion of a family member or close associate, the responsible authority must ensure that interim support is available. (2) Interim support under this section must include at least one of— (a) regular contact with a family support worker; (b) access to GP appointments; (c) regular contact with a school nurse or equivalent healthcare professional; or (d) access to a peer support group, youth group, or youth club offering appropriate emotional support.’” This new clause would ensure adequate interim support for children at risk of detention under Part II the Mental Health Act while awaiting an appointment with Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). New clause 24— Report: Mental health services for children and young people — “(1) The Secretary of State must, within 18 months of passing this Act, prepare and lay before Parliament a report on the provision of specialist mental health services for patients aged under 18. (2) The report under subsection (1) must include an assessment of— (a) the number of patients aged under 18 receiving specialist mental health services; (b) the availability of specialist mental health services based outside of hospital settings; (c) any gaps in care and support experienced by patients aged under 18; (d) the Secretary of State’s conclusions as to whether there are sufficient resources to deliver mental health services for patients aged under 18; (e) the views of children, young people and families with experience of receiving specialist mental health services. (3) For the purpose of this section— (a) “specialist mental health services for patients aged under 18” means— (i) inpatient mental health services specifically designed for individuals aged under 18 years, including specialist eating disorder services; (ii) community-based mental health services specifically designed for individuals aged under 18 years as an alternative to inpatient care. (b) “resources to deliver mental health services” include— (i) finances; (ii) appropriate trained medical professionals; (iii) appropriate facilities for patient care.” This new clause would require the Secretary of State to review and report on the availability of specialist mental health services for patients under 18. New clause 25— Determination of competency for persons under 16— “(1) For the purposes of this Act, a person aged under 16 (referred to in this section as a child) is able to make a relevant decision if they can— (a) understand the information relevant to the decision; (b) retain that information; (c) use or weigh that information as part of the process of making a decision; and (d) communicate their decisions (whether by talking, using sign language or any other means). (2) Where a child is able to make a relevant decision in accordance with paragraph (1) above, that child will be competent for the purposes of this Act. (3) A child is not to be regarded as unable to understand the information relevant to a decision if he is able to understand an explanation of it given to him in a way that is appropriate to his circumstances (using simple language, visual aids or any other means). (4) A person determining a child’s ability to make a relevant decision under this section must— (a) have due regard to Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, and (b) be able to show reasonable grounds for their belief that the child is or is not able to make a relevant decision.” This new clause inserts a competency test for determining a child’s ability to make a relevant decision. New clause 26— Duty to establish carer liaison service — “(1) The Mental Health Act 1983 is amended as follows. (2) In Part X (Miscellaneous and Supplementary), after section 133 insert— ‘ 133A Duty to establish carer liaison service (1) The managers of every hospital providing services under this Act must establish and maintain a dedicated carer liaison service. (2) A service established under this section must provide— (a) support to unpaid carers when a patient for whom they provide care is— (i) awaiting admission to hospital for treatment under the Act; (ii) receiving treatment in hospital under the Act; (iii) set to be discharged from a hospital where they had been receiving treatment under this Act; (b) timely and accessible information regarding the discharge of the patient they care for, including details of— (i) the patient's discharge plan; and (ii) aftercare arrangements under section 117 of this Act; (c) support for unpaid carers to identify their own needs and connect to relevant local services for post-discharge support, including local authority adult social care services, general practitioners, and local carers' centres; (d) facilitation of effective communication and collaboration between unpaid carers and the patient's multi-disciplinary clinical team regarding the discharge process; (e) assistance to unpaid carers in developing or updating a carer's support plan in the context of the patient's discharge, including guidance on— (i) their rights to assessment and support as carers (ii) their participation in education or employment; (iii) available counselling services; (iv) support in planning for emergencies in relation to the patient; (v) benefits for the carer and patient; and (vi) other forms of local support; and (f) services to ensure that the perspective of the unpaid carer, as a key provider of support, is considered during discharge planning, where appropriate and with due regard to patient confidentiality and consent.’” This new clause would require hospitals to establish a dedicated liaison service for the carers of patients detained under the Mental Health Act. New clause 27— Duty to identify children of patients receiving treatment— “(1) The Mental Health Act 1983 is amended as follows. (2) In Part X (Miscellaneous and Supplementary), after section 133 insert— ‘ 133B Duty of managers of hospitals to identify children of patients (1) Where a patient liable to be detained under this Act is in a hospital or registered establishment, the managers of the hospital or registered establishment shall take such steps as are practicable to identify children of the patient. (2) The managers must ensure, where children of patients are identified, that— (a) information is provided to the family about support available for the child; (b) the appropriate practitioner consider whether the child might be a young carer and whether they might benefit from additional support including— (i) a Young Carers’ Needs Assessment under section 17ZA of the Children Act 1989, or (ii) additional support from their local authority or local young carers service.’” This new clause would require hospitals to identify children of patients and provide support or provide guidance on available support to them, particularly if they are a young carer. New clause 28— Duty to mitigate adverse effect of compulsory measures on parental relations— “(1) The Mental Health Act 1983 is amended as follows. (2) After section 131A, insert— ‘ 131B Duty to mitigate adverse effect of compulsory measures on parental relations (1) Subsection (2) below applies— (a) where— (i) a child is subject to any measures authorised by virtue of this Act; and (ii) the measures will or will be likely to impair the personal relations or diminish direct contact between the child and any person with parental responsibilities in relation to the child; or (b) where— (i) a person with parental responsibilities in relation to a child is subject to any measures authorised by virtue of this Act; and (ii) the measures will or will be likely to impair the personal relations or diminish direct contact between that person and the child. (2) Every person having functions by virtue of this Act shall take such steps as are practicable and appropriate to mitigate the impairment or diminution referred to in this section or, as the case may be, the likelihood of that impairment or diminution. (3) In this section— “child” has the meaning given by section 105 of the Children Act 1989; and “parental responsibilities” has the meaning given by section 3 of the Children Act 1989.’” This new clause would create a duty to mitigate the adverse effect of compulsory treatment under the Mental Health Act 1983 on relations between parents and their children, mirroring provisions in the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003. New clause 29— Age-appropriate treatment for children— “(1) Section 131A of the Mental Health Act 1983 is amended as follows. (2) After subsection (1), insert— ‘(1A) A patient to whom this section applies must not be detained in, or admitted to, an adult ward unless the managers of the hospital consider that— (a) there are exceptional circumstances which justify the patient’s detention in, or admission to, an adult ward; and (b) the decision is in accordance with the best interests of the child.’ (3) After subsection (3), insert— ‘(3A) Where a patient to whom this section applies has been detained in, or admitted to, an adult ward, the managers of the hospital must record in writing the reasons for the admission, including— (a) the reason, or reasons, why other options for accommodation were not available or suitable for the patient; (b) details of the measures to be taken by the hospital to ensure that, while the patient is detained or otherwise accommodated in the adult ward, the patient is provided with care in a safe environment; and (c) unless it has been determined that an adult ward is the most appropriate environment for the patient in accordance with subsection (1A), the steps being taken by the hospital to transfer the patient to more appropriate accommodation. (3B) Where a patient to whom this section applies is— (a) detained in, or admitted to, an adult ward or in a local authority other than the local authority in which the patient was ordinarily resident; and (b) the detention or admission is of more than 24 consecutive hours' duration, the managers of the hospital must notify the regulatory authority immediately, setting out why they consider that the requirements under subsection (1A) above are met and providing the information set out in subsection (3A). (3C) Subsection (3D) applies when— (a) the managers of a hospital accommodate a patient to whom this section applies in an adult ward for a consecutive period of at least 28 days; or (b) detain or admit a patient to whom this section applies who— (i) was ordinarily resident immediately before being detained or admitted in the area of a local authority other than the local authority within whose area the hospital is situated, or (ii) was not ordinarily resident within the area of any local authority. (3D) Where this subsection applies, the managers of the hospital must immediately inform the appropriate officer of the responsible local authority— (a) of the patient's detention or admission, and (b) when the patient's detention or admission ceases.’ (4) Leave out subsection (4) and insert— ‘(4) In this section— (a) “adult ward” means a ward in a hospital to which persons aged 18 or over are detained in or admitted to; (b) “the appropriate officer” means— (i) in relation to a local authority in England, their director of children's services, and (ii) in relation to a local authority in Wales, their director of social services; (c) “hospital” includes a registered establishment; and (d) “the responsible authority” means— (i) the local authority appearing to the managers of the hospital to be the authority within whose area the child was ordinarily resident immediately before being detained or admitted, or (ii) where it appears to the managers of the hospital that the patient was not ordinarily resident within the area of any local authority, the local authority within whose area the hospital is situated.’” This new clause seeks to ensure that children are only placed on adult wards where there are exceptional circumstances, and it is in their best interests. It includes procedural safeguards for determining the reasons behind (and suitability of) admitting a child to a hospital environment in which adults are simultaneously accommodated or in an out of area placement, along with notification requirements. New clause 30— Application in respect of patient already on hospital grounds— “(1) Section 5 of the Mental Health Act 1983 (Application in respect of patient already in hospital) is amended as follows. (2) In subsection (1), after ‘or,’ insert ‘that the patient has attended a hospital or been brought to a hospital to seek help or admission as a patient or,’. (3) After subsection (2), insert— ‘(2A) If, in the case of a patient who— (a) is an outpatient in hospital; or (b) has attended hospital to seek treatment as an outpatient; or (c) has attended hospital to seek admission as an inpatient, it appears to the registered medical practitioner assessing the patient that an application ought to be made under this Part of this Act for the admission of the patient to hospital, the registered medical practitioner may furnish to the managers a report in writing to that effect; and in any such case the patient may be detained in the hospital for a period of 72 hours from the time when the report is so furnished.’ (4) In subsection (3), after ‘(2)’ insert ‘or (2A)’.” This new clause would allow people who have attended or been brought to a hospital to seek help or admission as a patient to be detained for assessment under the Mental Health Act. New clause 31— Costed plan to ensure community provision for individuals with learning disabilities and autism who are at risk of detention— “(1) Within 18 months of the day on which this Act is passed, the Secretary of State must publish a fully costed plan for how Integrated Care Boards and local authorities will ensure provision of adequate community services for individuals with learning disabilities and autistic people who are at risk of detention under Part 2 of the Mental Health Act 1983. (2) As part of the development of that plan, a formal consultation process must take place to determine how the decision to enact the relevant parts of this Act will be made. (3) The consultation must include input from relevant stakeholders, including— (a) individuals with learning disabilities and autistic people; (b) carers for people with learning disabilities and autistic people; (c) healthcare professionals; and (d) advocacy groups.” This new clause would require a costed plan to ensure that ICBs and local authorities are able to provide adequate community services for individuals with learning disabilities and autistic people at risk of detention under Part 2 of the 1983 Act, informed by a consultation with a range of stakeholders. New clause 32— Mandatory Independent Care (Education) and Treatment Reviews for patients detained in long-term segregation— “In the Mental Health Act 1983, after section 142D (inserted by section 52 of this Act) insert— ‘ 142E Mandatory Independent Care (Education) and Treatment Reviews for patients detained in long-term segregation (1) A notification of any use of long-term segregation for a patient detained under this Act must be issued to the Care Quality Commission, the hospital’s Board of Directors and the relevant NHS Commissioner within 72 hours of the person being placed in long-term segregation. (2) Upon receipt of a notification under subsection (1), the Care Quality Commission must appoint a qualified professional to conduct an Independent Care (Education) and Treatment Review. (3) The independent reviewer must— (a) conduct a face-to-face assessment of the patient, (b) consult with the patient’s family or carers, where appropriate, (c) review the patient’s care and treatment plan, including the rationale for continued segregation, and (d) assess whether alternatives, including ward or community-based alternatives, were considered prior to the implementation of long-term segregation. (3) Where the assessment under subsection (3)(d) reveals that alternatives were not adequately considered, the independent reviewer may require the detaining organisation to— (a) provide justification for this omission, and (b) outline steps to ensure that alternative options are considered in future cases. (4) The independent reviewer has authority equivalent to a second opinion appointed doctor to— (a) confirm the appropriateness of the long-term segregation, (b) recommend amendments to the treatment plan, and (c) require alternative interventions if long-term segregation is deemed inappropriate.’” This new clause requires independently chaired reviews for any person detained in long-term segregation, in line with the recommendations of Baroness Hollins’ report on solitary confinement for people with autism and learning disabilities. New clause 33— Mandatory Independent Care (Education) and Treatment Reviews for patients with autism or learning disability detained for more than 5 years— “In the Mental Health Act 1983, after section 142D (inserted by section 52 of this Act) insert— ‘ 142E Mandatory Independent Care (Education) and Treatment Reviews for patients with autism or learning disability detained for more than 5 years (1) Where a person with autism or a learning disability has been subject to compulsory detention under this Act, including by virtue of a community treatment order, for a continuous period of 5 years or more, the Care Quality Commission must appoint a qualified professional to conduct an Independent Care (Education) and Treatment Review (ICETR) of that person’s care and treatment. (2) The independent reviewer must— (a) conduct a face-to-face assessment of the patient, (b) consult with the patient’s family or carers, where appropriate, (c) review the patient’s care, education (where applicable), and treatment plan, including the rationale for continued detention or the continuation of a community treatment order, and (d) assess whether alternatives to continued compulsory detention, including community-based or less restrictive options, have been adequately considered. (3) The Care Quality Commission must ensure that a further ICETR is conducted at intervals of not more than 12 months for so long as the person remains subject to compulsory detention under this Act or to a community treatment order. (4) Where the assessment under subsection (2)(d) reveals that alternatives to continued detention or community treatment were not adequately considered, the independent reviewer may require the detaining organisation or responsible commissioner to— (a) provide justification for this omission, and (b) outline steps to ensure that alternative options are fully considered in future reviews.’” This new clause provides for a new process with independently chaired reviews for any patient with autism or a learning disability subject to detention or community treatment orders for long periods of time. New clause 34— Grounds for detention— “(1) The Mental Health Act 1983 is amended as follows. (2) In section 2 (admission for assessment), in subsection (2)— (a) omit the ‘and’ at the end of paragraph (a); (b) for paragraph (b) substitute— ‘(b) there is a risk of serious harm to the health or safety of the patient or of another person; and (c) given the nature or degree of the harm, the patient ought to be so detained.’ (3) In section 3 (admission for treatment)— (a) in subsection (2), for paragraphs (c) and (d) substitute— ‘(b) there is a risk of serious harm to the health or safety of the patient or of another person unless the patient is so detained, (c) it is necessary, given the nature or degree of the harm, for the patient to receive medical treatment, (d) the necessary treatment cannot be provided unless the patient is detained under this Act, and (e) appropriate medical treatment is available for the patient.’ (b) in subsection (3)— (i) in paragraph (a), for ‘(d)’ substitute ‘(e)’; (ii) in paragraph (b), for ‘(c)’ substitute ‘(b) to (d)’ (4) In section 5(4) (detention for six hours pending application for admission), for paragraph (a) (but not the ‘and’ at the end) substitute— ‘(a) that there is a risk of serious harm to the health or safety of the patient or of another person unless the patient is immediately restrained from leaving the hospital;’ (5) In section 20 (renewal of authority for detention of patient detained in pursuance of application for admission for treatment etc), in subsection (4), for paragraphs (c) and (d) substitute— ‘(b) there is a risk of serious harm to the health or safety of the patient or of another person unless the patient receives medical treatment, (c) it is necessary, given the nature or degree of the harm, for the patient to receive medical treatment, (d) the necessary treatment cannot be provided unless the patient continues to be liable to be detained, and (e) appropriate medical treatment is available for the patient.’ (6) The amendment made by subsection (5), so far as relating to persons who are liable to be detained by virtue of Part 3 of the Mental Health Act 1983, applies in relation to such a person whether the person became so liable before or after the coming into force of this section.” This new clause is intended to replace Clause 5 (see Amendment 43). It would remove from the criteria for detention any reference to ‘likelihood’ or ‘may be caused’, replacing those words with language related to an individual’s risk, in order to simplify a psychiatrist’s assessment of a patient’s levels of risk. New clause 35— Community treatment order: conditions— “(1) Section 17B of the Mental Health Act 1983 (Conditions) is amended as follows. (2) After subsection (7) insert— ‘(8) The responsible clinician must ensure that a community treatment order complies with the code of practice as set out in section 118(2B) of this Act. (9) A community treatment order has a maximum duration of 12 months, unless the conditions set out in subsection (10) apply. (10) The responsible clinician may extend the duration of a community treatment order beyond 12 months only after the responsible clinician has— (a) consulted the patient, the patient’s nominated persons, and any relevant mental healthcare professional involved in the patient’s treatment or care planning; (b) undertaken a review to evaluate the ongoing necessity and therapeutic benefit of the community treatment order; and (c) consulted a General Medical Council registered psychiatrist regarding the conditions of the community treatment order and obtaining their written agreement that an extension is necessary and in accordance with the principles set out in section118(2B). (11) A tribunal may recommend that the responsible clinician consider whether to extend, vary, or terminate the duration and conditions of a community treatment order. (12) A community treatment order with a duration of less than 12 months is not subject to the conditions set out in subsection (10). (13) Where a community treatment order is extended beyond a period of 12 months, the order must be reviewed at intervals not exceeding six months from the date of the extension, in accordance with the requirements set out in subsection (10). (14) At the conclusion of the initial 12 month period or of any extended period, the responsible clinician must undertake a review to assess the effectiveness of the community treatment order at complying with the code of practice set out in section 118(2B) of this Act.’” This new clause would set out conditions for the extension of a community treatment order beyond 12 months, and would require such an order to comply with the Mental Health Act’s code of practice. New clause 36— Age appropriate treatment for children— “(1) Section 131A of the Mental Health Act 1983 is amended as follows. (2) After subsection (1), insert— ‘(1A) A patient to whom this section applies must not be detained in, or admitted to, an adult ward unless the managers of the hospital consider that— (a) there are exceptional circumstances which justify the patient’s detention in, or admission to, an adult ward, and (b) the decision is in accordance with the best interests of the child.’ (3) For subsection (3), substitute— ‘(3) For the purpose of deciding how to fulfil the duty under subsection (2) above, the managers must consult— (a) someone with parental responsibility for the child, unless it is not deemed in the best interests of the patient for someone with parental responsibility to be consulted; and (b) a person who appears to them to have knowledge or experience of cases involving patients who have not attained the age of 18 years which makes the person suitable to be consulted.’ (4) After subsection (3), insert— ‘(3A) Where a patient to whom this section applies has been detained in, or admitted to, an adult ward, the managers of the hospital must record in writing the reasons for the admission, including— (a) the reason, or reasons, why other options for accommodation were not available or suitable for the patient; (b) details of the measures to be taken by the hospital to ensure that, while the patient is detained or otherwise accommodated in the adult ward, the patient is provided with care in a safe environment; and (c) unless it has been determined that an adult ward is the most appropriate environment for the patient in accordance with subsection (1A), the steps being taken by the hospital to transfer the patient to more appropriate accommodation. (3B) Where a patient to whom this section applies is detained in, or admitted to, an adult ward, and the detention or admission is of more than 24 consecutive hours’ duration, the managers of the hospital must notify the regulatory authority and the responsible authority within 48 hours of the patient’s admission, setting out why the managers of the hospital consider that the requirements under subsection (1A) above are met and providing the information set out in subsection (3A). (3C) Subsection (3E) applies when the managers of a hospital accommodate a patient to whom this section applies on an adult ward for a consecutive period of at least 28 days. (3D) Subsection (3E) also applies where the managers of a hospital detain or admit a patient to whom this section applies who— (a) was ordinarily resident immediately before being detained or admitted in the area of a local authority other than the local authority within whose area the hospital is situated, unless the hospital is less than 20 kilometres from the patient’s ordinary residence; or (b) was not ordinarily resident within the area of any local authority. (3E) Where this subsection applies, the managers of the hospital must inform the appropriate officer of the responsible local authority without delay— (a) of the patient's detention or admission, and (b) when the patient's detention or admission ceases.’ (5) Leave out subsection (4) and insert— ‘(4) In this section— “adult ward” means a ward in a hospital to which persons aged 18 or over are detained in or admitted to “the appropriate officer” means— (a) in relation to a local authority in England, their director of children’s services, and (b) in relation to a local authority in Wales, their director of social services; “hospital” includes a registered establishment; and “the responsible authority” means— (a) the local authority appearing to the managers of the hospital to be the authority within whose area the child was ordinarily resident immediately before being detained or admitted, or (b) where it appears to the managers of the hospital that the patient was not ordinarily resident within the area of any local authority, the local authority within whose area the hospital is situated.’” This amendment would restrict the circumstances in which a child can be admitted to or detained on an adult ward for treatment under the Mental Health Act 1983, require the hospital to notify the local authority when they have done so, or when they have placed a child in a ward outside their local authority, and require that the parents or legal guardians of the child have access to their child and are consulted about their admission to an adult ward. New clause 37— Roadmap for the provision of sufficient services for autistic people and people with a learning disability— “(1) Within six months of the passing of this Act, the Secretary of State must prepare and lay before Parliament a roadmap to outline the Government’s plans for ensuring sufficient community services for autistic people and people with a learning disability to facilitate the operability of section 3 of this Act. (2) When developing the roadmap under subsection (1), the Secretary of State must engage with relevant stakeholders, including— (a) autistic people and people with a learning disability; (b) carers for autistic people and people with a learning disability; (c) health and care professionals; and (d) advocacy groups. (3) Within twelve months of the publication of a roadmap under subsection (1) above and annually thereafter, the Secretary of State must publish a monitoring statement on progress made towards implementing the roadmap, including its targets and milestones.” This new clause would require the Government to publish a roadmap outlining its plans for ensuring sufficient community services to enable the implementation of the Act’s provisions on ending the detention of autistic people and people with a learning disability. Amendment 33, clause 1, page 1, line 19, at end insert— “(2BA) The Secretary of State shall ensure that each of the following matters is addressed— (a) the provision of access to advocacy services for patients who have not attained the age of 18, including patients admitted to, or who remain in, hospital in pursuance of such arrangements as are mentioned in section 131(1); (b) the assessment of ‘competence’ in relation to patients who have not attained the age of 16; (c) the preparation of care and treatment plans for patients who have not attained the age of 18, including patients admitted to, or who remain in, hospital in pursuance of such arrangements as are mentioned in section 131(1); (d) matters to be taken into account by an approved mental health professional when deciding who to appoint as a nominated person in circumstances in which the patient has not attained the age of 18 and paragraph 7 of Schedule 2 of this Act applies; (e) steps to be taken by managers of the hospital when section 131A of this Act applies including— (i) matters to be taken into account when determining whether the patient’s environment in hospital is suitable having regard to the patient’s age (including article 3(1) of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (‘the best interests of the child’)); (ii) measures to be taken in cases where a patient who has not attained the age of 18 has been admitted to an environment that provides care and treatment to patients who have attained the age of 18, including— (A) safeguards to ensure that the patient is provided with care in a safe environment; and (B) action to be taken to ensure that the patient is transferred to a more age-appropriate environment as soon as reasonably practicable; (f) matters to be taken into account when determining whether a patient who has not attained the age of 18 should be admitted to a hospital for the purpose of treatment (or assessment, or assessment followed by treatment) of mental disorder which is located in an area falling outside the local authority in which the patient was ordinarily resident, or otherwise living in, prior to such detention or admission and the safeguards to be followed if the patient is so admitted; (g) an explanation of the arrangements for the commissioning and provision of community and inpatient mental health services for those who have not attained the age of 18.” This amendment inserts commitments related to children and young people which the Government made in the House of Lords into the section on principles to inform decisions on the Code of Practice. Amendment 2, clause 4, page 4, line 41, at end insert— “(iv) accommodation and relocation, and”. This amendment ensures the impact of accommodation and relocation is considered in care and treatment reviews for patients with autism or learning disabilities. Amendment 6, page 5, line 23, at end insert— “(v) the patient, (vi) the patient’s nominated person, and (vii) the patient’s independent mental health advocate.” This amendment would ensure that nominated persons and independent mental health advocates receive copy of a care, education, and treatment review meeting report for children and young people with autism or a learning disability. Amendment 7, page 5, line 31, for “12” substitute “six”. This amendment would shorten the length between care and treatment reviews from 12 months to six months. Amendment 8, page 7, line 6, at end insert— “(iii) housing, and”. This amendment ensures that housing needs are considered as part of care and treatment review meetings. Amendment 9, page 7, line 32, at end insert— “(v) the patient, (vi) the patient’s nominated person, and (vii) the patient’s independent mental health advocate.” This amendment ensures that nominated persons and independent mental health advocates receive a copy of a care and treatment review meeting report. Amendment 10, page 7, line 40, for “12” substitute “six”. This amendment would shorten the length between care and treatment reviews from 12 months to six months. Amendment 11, page 8, line 12, leave out “must have regard to” and insert “have a duty to carry out”. This amendment ensures that integrated care boards and local authorities responsible for a patient's treatment and care have a duty to implement recommendations arising from a care and treatment review. Amendment 12, page 8, line 27, at end insert— “(ba) the person is under 18 years old and satisfies the conditions in (b)(ii).” This amendment inserts a new subsection that extends the duty on integrated care boards to establish and maintain a register for those at risk of detention to all children and young people under the age of 18. Amendment 3, page 9, line 20, at end insert— “(6) The risk factors specified in regulations under subsection (5) must include— (a) homelessness; (b) addiction; (c) domestic abuse; (d) miscarriage and traumatic birth; (e) experience of armed conflict; and (f) bereavement.” This amendment would specify risk factors for detention for people on the register of people at risk of detention under Clause 4. Amendment 36, page 9, line 20, at end insert— “125DA Registers: reviews (1) Each integrated care board must make arrangements for ensuring that care and treatment review meetings take place in relation to a person included in that board’s register under section 125D if either— (a) the person consents to meetings taking place and to the disclosure of information in accordance with the arrangements, and to the use of the information in accordance with this Act, or (b) the person lacks capacity to give that consent but the board considers that it is nonetheless in the person’s best interests for the meetings to take place, and information to be disclosed and used, as mentioned in subsection (a). (2) In this section ‘care and treatment review meeting’ means a meeting, convened by the integrated care board, for the purpose of reviewing a person’s case in order to— (a) identify any needs of the person for— (i) social care provision, (ii) medical treatment, or (iii) financial support, and (b) make recommendations about— (i) whether and how any such needs can be met, (ii) how the person’s safety can be ensured while they are at risk of detention, and (iii) how to reduce any risk of the person being detained in a hospital or registered establishment. (3) The arrangements under subsection (1) must include arrangements for— (a) the preparation of a report (whether by the board or another person) setting out the needs identified, and recommendations made, at each meeting, and (b) the provision of a copy of the report, within the period of 14 days beginning with the day on which a meeting takes place, to each of the following persons (other than any who prepared the report)— (i) the responsible commissioner, (ii) the person’s responsible clinician, (iii) the integrated care board, and (iv) the local authority in whose area the person is ordinarily resident. (The arrangements may also include provision authorising or requiring a copy of the report to be given to other persons.) (4) The integrated care board shall arrange appropriate provision within 28 days of receipt of a report under subsection (3) to address any needs identified and recommendations made. (5) The arrangements under subsection (1) must include arrangements for ensuring that— (a) the first meeting in relation to the person takes place within the period of 28 days from their inclusion in the register under section 125D, and (b) a further meeting takes place at least once in each successive period of 24 months for which the person remains on the register, beginning with the day on which the first meeting takes place. (6) A person may withdraw consent to the taking place of meetings and to the disclosure of information in accordance with arrangements under subsection (1). (7) The arrangements under subsection (1) must include provision about— (a) how consent to the taking place of meetings or the disclosure of information may be withdrawn; (b) what is to happen when consent is withdrawn (which may include provision about who is to be informed).” This amendment replicates the provisions for care and treatment reviews for patients under sections 125A and 125B but for people with autism and learning disabilities who are at risk of detention, in order to identify needs and ensure that those needs can be met without detaining them. Amendment 37, page 9, line 26, after “125D(3)(c)” insert “and 125DA(3)”. Amendment 13, page 9, line 29, at end insert— “(c) seek to ensure that the needs of children and young people can be met without detaining them under Part 2 of this Act.” This amendment extends the duty on integrated care boards and local authorities to exercise their marketing functions in a way that seeks to ensure that children and young people’s needs can be met without detaining them. Amendment 38, page 9, line 32, after “125D(3)(d)” insert “and 125DA(3)”. Amendments 37 and 38 are consequential on amendment 36 and would ensure that integrated care boards and local authorities have regard to reports from care and treatment review meetings with people on their registers when commissioning services. Amendment 24, page 9, line 38, at end insert— “125ZF Crisis accommodation: duty to assess and provide (1) In exercising its functions under section 125E, an integrated care board must assess the need for appropriate crisis accommodation for autistic people and people with a learning disability within its area. (2) Where such need is identified under subsection (1), the integrated care board must ensure appropriate crisis accommodation is available, either— (a) within its area, or (b) through arrangements with other integrated care boards for regional provision. (3) For the purposes of this section, ‘appropriate crisis accommodation’ means accommodation which— (a) is designed to meet the specific needs of autistic people and people with learning disability during periods of acute mental health crisis; (b) is staffed by persons with specialist training in supporting autistic people and people with learning disability; (c) provides a safe alternative to detention under section 136 of this Act; (d) is developed through co-production with autistic people and people with learning disability. (4) The Secretary of State must issue guidance about the assessment of need and provision of crisis accommodation under this section.” This amendment requires ICBs to assess need and ensure provision of appropriate crisis accommodation, either locally or regionally, designed specifically for autistic people and people with learning disability in crisis. Amendment 14, page 10, line 5, at end insert— “125FA Report: sufficient commissioning services for people with autism or learning disability (1) Within four months of the day on which the Mental Health Act 2025 is passed, the Secretary of State must lay before Parliament a plan to allocate sufficient resources for commissioning services regarding the treatment and detention of autistic people and people with learning disabilities to ensure operability of provisions in this Act. (2) The plan must include— (a) revised assumptions of the number of autistic people and people with learning disabilities who may require detention under this Act; (b) the actions that the Secretary of State will take to ensure community services are available to meet demand after the 28-day detention period; (c) plans for data collection to support commissioning sufficient services; (d) plans to allocate appropriate resource to ensure operability of services, including, but not limited to, financial resource; (e) plans to ensure that responsible bodies and individuals receive the necessary training to carry out support, diagnostic, and treatment plans.” This amendment requires the Secretary of State to present a plan within four months to ensure sufficient services, resources, data, and training are in place to support autistic people and those with learning disabilities under the Act. Amendment 25, page 10, line 5, at end insert— “125FA Assessment: provision of services for autistic people and people with a learning disability (1) Each financial year, an integrated care board must— (a) conduct an assessment of the availability and adequacy of services within its area for autistic people and people with a learning disability who have specified risk factors for detention under Part 2 of this Act; (b) publish the results of the assessment; and (c) publish an action plan to address any gaps in provision identified. (2) The assessment under subsection (1) must include consideration of— (a) the availability of appropriate crisis accommodation; (b) the availability of appropriate community support services; (c) the adequacy of training for responsible bodies and individuals to carry out support, diagnostic and treatment plans; and (d) the experiences of autistic people and people with a learning disability who have specified risk factors for detention under Part 2 of this Act and their families or carers. (3) The integrated care board must consult the following in conducting the assessment— (a) autistic people and people with a learning disability who have specified risk factors for detention under Part 2 of this Act and their families or carers; (b) the relevant local authority or authorities; (c) providers of relevant services; and (d) such other persons as the integrated care board considers appropriate. (4) The Secretary of State must issue guidance about the conduct of assessments under this section, and integrated care boards must have regard to this guidance.” This amendment would require integrated care boards to conduct and publish annual assessments of the provision available for autistic people and people with learning disability at risk of detention and to prepare action plans to address any identified gaps. Amendment 26, page 10, line 5, at end insert— “125FA Report: services for autistic people and people with a learning disability (1) The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of this section coming into force and annually thereafter, prepare and lay before Parliament a report on— (a) the availability of appropriate accommodation for autistic people and people with a learning disability detained under this Act; (b) the number of instances where appropriate accommodation could not be found within statutory timeframes; (c) the progress towards implementation of sections 3 and 4 of the Mental Health Act 2025 and the impact of any delays to implementation on autistic people and people with a learning disability; and (d) progress made towards meeting the needs of autistic people and people with a learning disability without detaining them under Part 2 of this Act. (2) In preparing the report, the Secretary of State must consult— (a) autistic people and people with a learning disability who have specified risk factors for detention under Part 2 of this Act and their families or carers; (b) integrated care boards; (c) local authorities; and (d) such other persons as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.” This amendment would require the Secretary of State to report annually to Parliament on the availability of appropriate placements for autistic people and people with learning disability and on progress implementing the relevant provisions of the Act. Amendment 28, page 10, line 5, at end insert— “125FA Training standards (1) The Secretary of State must by regulations make provision about training standards for responsible bodies and individuals working with autistic people and people with a learning disability in— (a) mental health hospitals; (b) places of safety designated under sections 135 or 136 of this Act; (c) crisis accommodation; and (d) such other settings as the Secretary of State considers appropriate. (2) Regulations under subsection (1) must— (a) specify minimum training requirements; (b) require training to be co-produced with autistic people and people with learning disability and their families or carers; (c) require regular refresher training; and (d) include training on de-escalation techniques and alternatives to restraint. (3) The Secretary of State must publish guidance about the standards set out in regulations under subsection (1). (4) A statutory instrument containing regulations under this section is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.” This amendment would require the Secretary of State to produce guidance on minimum training standards for staff working with autistic people and people with learning disability in mental health settings and require that training be co-produced with people with lived experience and their families. Amendment 43, page 11, line 15, leave out clause 5. Amendment 44, clause 6, page 12, leave out lines 26 to 29 and insert— “(b) there is a risk of serious harm to the health or safety of the patient or of another person unless the patient receives medical treatment,”. This amendment is linked to NC34 Amendment 45, page 12, line 29, for “degree and likelihood” substitute “or degree”. This amendment is linked to NC34 Amendment 15, page 12, line 40, at end insert— “(c) after subsection (6) insert— ‘(6A) Any person subject to a community treatment order must be informed orally and in writing at the time of the making of the order of their right to an independent mental health advocate under section 130A of this Act.’” The amendment would ensure that people who are to be subject to a community treatment order would receive information about their right to advocacy. Amendment 16, clause 8, page 14, line 13, after “treatment” insert “including the setting in which treatment takes place,”. This amendment ensures that the definition of appropriate medical treatment includes the setting in which treatment takes place. Amendment 17, clause 18, page 26, line 22, at end insert— “(1A) Regulations under subsection (1) may only be made to provide for circumstances where— (a) the treatment is immediately necessary to save the patient’s life, (b) obtaining a second opinion would cause a delay that places the patient at a significant and imminent risk of death or serious physical harm, and (c) the treatment is reversible.” The amendment limits the power to dispense with a second medical opinion for urgent electro-convulsive therapy to exceptional, life-threatening cases, introduces periodic reviews of its use, and ensures transparency by prohibiting retrospective application. Amendment 4, clause 21, page 29, line 28, at end insert— “(ab) containing steps to alleviate social and financial stressors contributing to the patient’s risk of requiring detention in future; and”. This amendment would require social and financial stressors be addressed in care and treatment plans. Amendment 40, page 29, line 30, at end insert— “(c) containing an assessment of the levels of risk to public safety posed by the patient in the community.” This amendment would require consideration to be given to public safety in care and treatment plans. Amendment 18, page 29, line 39, at end insert— “(iii) the discussion of the person’s finances and financial situation.” This amendment ensures that the care and treatment plan includes matters relating to the patient’s financial circumstances. Amendment 1, page 29, line 41, at end insert— “(4A) For the purposes of preparing a plan under this section, a discharge planning meeting must be held. (4B) A meeting under subsection (4A) must include— (a) the patient; (b) the patient’s nominated person; (c) any independent mental health advocate acting for the patient; (d) a representative of the integrated care board; (e) a local housing officer; (f) a local authority social worker; (g) a representative from the Department for Work and Pensions; and (h) any other person or agency involved in the patient’s care or likely to support recovery in the community. (4C) A care and treatment plan under this section must include— (a) actions agreed by relevant agencies to support the patient’s recovery; (b) provisions to address clinical, financial, housing, and social needs; (c) steps to reduce the likelihood of readmission or further detention under this Act; and (d) a record of any points of disagreement and how they are to be resolved. (4D) Where an agency listed under subsection (4B) fails to attend a discharge planning meeting, the responsible clinician must take reasonable steps to obtain their input in writing and record it in the plan. (4E) For the purposes of subsections (4A) to (4D), the Secretary of State must issue guidance on best practice for discharge planning meetings and multi-agency collaboration.” This amendment would require the clinician preparing a care and treatment plan to hold a multi-agency planning meeting to inform it, and specifies what must be included within the plan. Amendment 19, page 29, line 41, at end insert— “(4A) The information authorised or required to be included in, or attached to, a care and treatment plan by virtue of regulations under subsection (3) must include provision to protect the patient's housing and accommodation during and immediately after they are subject to a care and treatment plan.” This amendment ensures that protection of housing and accommodation are considered as part of care and treatment plans. Amendment 20, page 30, line 26, at end insert— “(g) following the patient turning 18 years of age during the course of a care and treatment plan.” This amendment ensures that individuals turning 18 during a care and treatment plan have their plans reviewed to maintain continuity of care while transitioning from child to adult services. Amendment 39, page 30, line 26, at end insert— “(vii) for a relevant patient who has not yet reached the age of 18, the parents or legal guardians of the relevant patient, unless that is not deemed in the best interests of the patient. (5A) Any care plan prepared under this section, if prepared for a relevant patient who has not yet reached the age of 18, must include provision for the parents or legal guardians of the patient to be directly involved in the care and treatment of the relevant patient, unless such involvement is not in the best interests of the patient. (5B) For the purposes of subsection (5A), the parents or legal guardians must be given regular access to the relevant patient through attendance on the hospital ward.” This amendment would require a practitioner to consult the parents or legal guardians of a child patient when preparing the patient’s care and treatment plan, require parental involvement in patient care through the plan, and enable those parents (or guardians) regular access to the patient on the hospital ward. Amendment 27, page 29, line 41, at end insert— “(4A) Where a patient has autism or a learning disability, the care and treatment plan must— (a) identify specific crisis prevention strategies appropriate to the patient's individual needs; (b) identify suitable crisis accommodation options in the event that the patient's current placement becomes unable to meet their needs; (c) specify how the patient's sensory needs will be met; (d) specify communication approaches appropriate to the patient's needs; and (e) record the views of the patient’s family members or carers, where appropriate and with the patient's consent.” This amendment would ensure that care and treatment plans for patients with autism or learning disabilities include specific components addressing their particular needs, including crisis prevention strategies and identification of suitable crisis accommodation options. Amendment 22, clause 45, page 56, line 37, at end insert— “(5A) An ‘advance choice document’ under subsection (5) should include consideration of the person’s financial circumstances.” This amendment ensures that the advance choice document includes matters relating to the patient’s financial circumstances. Amendment 32, page 58, line 2, at end insert— “(2A) After subsection (3), insert— ‘(3ZA) After-care provision under subsection (3) above may include, for patients who have not yet reached the age of 16, appropriate Early Help services in the community.’” This amendment would ensure that, when a tribunal is discharging a child who has experienced a mental health crisis, the tribunal may recommend that they are referred to appropriate Early Help services as part of their after-care planning. Amendment 29, clause 46, page 59, line 10, at end insert— “(4) After subsection (6), insert— ‘(6A) After-care services under this section may include provision for authorised community pharmacies to dispense emergency and ongoing medication in line with after-care plans. (6B) Community pharmacies providing services under subsection (6A) must be— (a) given access to suitable training and resources; (b) integrated into the local primary care team, with appropriate access to prescribing professionals and multidisciplinary support; and (c) given appropriate remuneration and reimbursement for providing after-care services. (6C) Responsible bodies must carry out due diligence of any pharmacy operator before authorising them to provide after-care services under this section. (6D) Due diligence checks under subsection (6C) must include ensuring that— (a) the operator is not in significant arrears in respect of staff wages, supplier payments or other financial obligations; (b) the operator can demonstrate the financial capacity to sustain additional locations without compromising existing services; and (c) the operator has an established record of compliance with relevant regulatory and contractual requirements. (6E) Where due diligence checks under subsections (6C) and (6D) determine that a pharmacy operator is failing in its existing financial obligations, the pharmacy operator must not be authorised to take on new after-care service locations.’” This amendment would allow community pharmacies to be reimbursed for dispensing medication under the aftercare provisions of the Mental Health Act 1983, and would ensure that they have access to relevant training, that they are integrated into the primary care team, and that the responsible body carries out due diligence checks on their financial health. Amendment 30, page 59, line 10, at end insert— “(4) After subsection (6), insert— ‘(6A) After-care services provided under this section must include the availability of family support workers.’” This amendment would require the provision of family support workers as part of the after-care provisions under the Mental Health Act 1983. Amendment 31, page 59, line 10, at end insert— “(4) After subsection (6), insert— ‘(6A) When determining the adequacy of after-care services for a specific patient, responsible bodies must take into account— (a) whether the patient lives in a rural or urban area; (b) associated travel times between the patient’s residence and after-care services; (c) the patient’s levels of contact with others in their community; and (d) the views of local transport authorities and operators and relevant community transport or volunteer groups on levels of accessibility to after-care services. (6B) The responsible body must ensure the provision of outreach or visiting services to isolated individuals eligible for after-care under this section, including to those in remote or agricultural areas.’” This amendment would ensure that the needs of individuals living in rural areas are accounted for when providing after-care services under the Mental Health Act 1983, and that local transport operators are consulted on how easy it is to access these services. Government amendments 34 and 35. Amendment 41, schedule 2, page 77, line 21, at end insert— “(3) Where the patient has not yet reached the age of 16 (the ‘child patient’), the nominated person must be a person with parental responsibility for the child patient, unless the factors set out in sub-paragraph (4) below apply. (4) A person who has parental responsibility for a patient under the age of 16 (‘the parent’) must not be the nominated person if— (a) the parent is subject to a prohibited steps order under section 8 of the Children Act 1989; (b) a local authority is taking action under section 47(8) of the Children Act 1989 to safeguard the child patient or otherwise protect the child patient’s welfare due to concerns about the parent; or (c) the local authority has made enquiries under section 47(1) of the Children Act 1989 and concluded that the child patient is suffering, or is likely to suffer, harm at the hands of the parent (within the meaning of section 31(9) and (10) of that Act).” This amendment would stipulate that the nominated person for a patient under the age of 16 must have parental responsibility for the patient, unless there are safeguarding concerns. Amendment 42, page 80, line 13, after “2(2))” insert “, has parental responsibility for the patient, subject to conditions (see paragraphs 2(3) and 2(4)),”. This amendment is connected to Amendment 41; it would stipulate that the nominated person for a patient under 16 must have parental responsibility for the patient, unless there are safeguarding concerns about that parent. Amendment 5, page 86, line 38, at end insert— “18A In section 130B (arrangements in relation to independent mental advocates: England), after subsection (3)(d), insert— ‘(e) support the patient’s carer and family members to prepare for the patient’s discharge from hospital treatment, and (f) support the patient to access help with social and financial stressors that might otherwise increase their likelihood of future detention.’” This amendment extends the support offered by Mental Health advocates to cover social and financial stressors and support for family carers and other members of the household when the patient is discharged. Amendment 23, schedule 3, page 90, line 32, after “patient” insert “or English qualifying informal patient under 18”. This amendment extends the provision of opt-out advocacy services in England to informal in - patients under 18 .

• 14 Oct 2025 · Mental Health Bill [Lords] · Hansard source

  More

  I call the Liberal Democrat spokesperson.

• 14 Oct 2025 · Mental Health Bill [Lords] · Hansard source

  More

  Members will have noticed that many people are standing to speak and there is not a significant amount of time for the debate, so with the exception of Front-Bench contributions, there will be an immediate four-minute time limit. I call the shadow Minister.

• 14 Oct 2025 · Northern Ireland Troubles · Hansard source

  More

  Order. I remind Members not to refer to “you”, as that means me.

• 13 Oct 2025 · Security Update: Official Secrets Act Case · Hansard source

  More

  I call the Chair of the Home Affairs Committee.

• 13 Oct 2025 · Security Update: Official Secrets Act Case · Hansard source

  More

  I call the Chair of the Justice Committee.