The next news update will be posted to this site in the week commencing 6th January 2003.

The Queen’s Speech yesterday included no reference to mental health legislation. The draft Mental Health Bill had ncountered fierce opposition from professional and user groups and the government is evidently backing off to consider what to do next.

The Home Secretary David Blunkett has thrown his weight behind the embattled draft Mental Health Bill.

Members of the Mental Health Alliance, including voluntary organisations from Wales, lobby Parliament today to raise concerns about the draft Mental Health Bill.

People with mental illness will be treated like criminals under a proposed new law, warn mental health charities in Wales.

In her response to Jacqui Smith MP, Minister of State for Health, Jane Hutt – Minister for Health and Social Services in Wales stated “… I am most anxious that a proper balance is struck between services for detained patients and general mental health where the emphasis is on empowerment, choice and de-stigmatising services in modernised settings.”