New laws come into force
News Article 1 October 2007
A series of rules, regulations and laws have come into effect, including a ban on incitement to religious hatred.
Dementia strategy published
News Article 6 August 2007
The government has set out a national strategy aimed at tackling dementia.
'Mental health risk' for troops
News Article 3 August 2007
The government has insisted there is a low rate of mental illness in the armed forces, after a study found that service in Iraq and Afghanistan could result in psychological problems.
Mental Health Bill 'discriminatory'
Press Review 19 June 2007
The Commission for Racial Equality has warned the government that its Mental Health Bill discriminates disproportionately against black people.
Key debate on mental health laws
News Article 18 June 2007
MPs have relaunched their debate on controversial legislation which would increase the use of compulsory detention for mentally ill people.
Ministers push mental health plans
Press Review 17 April 2007
Ministers have insisted they will press ahead with legislation to allow the mentally ill to be detained if they are considered a danger to themselves or the public, despite opposition in the Lords and among interest groups.
Mental Health Bill defended
News Article 16 April 2007
Ministers have defended their controversial Mental Health Bill.
Hewitt outlines plans for computerised therapy
News Article 28 March 2007
Patricia Hewitt has outlined plans for the adoption by primary care trusts of a computerised form of therapy for people with certain mental health conditions.
Peers defeat mental health bill
Press Review 20 February 2007
Peers defeated the government yesterday again over its plans to detain and treat people with mental health problems who have committed no offence.
Mental health welfare bill rises
Press Review 1 February 2007
The number of people claiming incapacity benefit because they have a mental or behavioural disorder has risen by 50 per cent over the last decade.
Lib Dems hail Lords vote on mental health
News Article 10 January 2007
The Liberal Democrats have welcomed a major defeat for the government as the Mental Health Bill goes through the House of Lords.
Mental health stats 'show need for powers'
Press Review 4 December 2006
A minister has denied that figures showing that an average of one person dying every week at the hands of the mentally ill are the result of policy failures.
Report backs mental health action
News Article 4 December 2006
A government report has urged psychiatrists to take a more "structured" approach to risk assessment when dealing with mentally ill people.
Mental health law 'flawed'
News Article 17 November 2006
The body representing mental health charities and lobby groups has criticised the government's plans to reform mental health laws.
Mental Health Act 2007
Legislation 15 November 2006
“A Bill will be introduced to provide a better framework for treating people with mental disorders.”
