BLACK AND MINORITY ETHNIC COMMUNITIES AND THE MENTAL HEALTH BILL

Early day motion 1236, tabled 12 December 2005 by Diane Abbott (Labour). Signed by 57 members.

That this House notes with great concern the findings of Count Me In, the first national census of inpatients in mental health hospitals and facilities, which shows that black people are three times more likely to be admitted to mental health hospitals than their white counterparts; further notes that this mirrors Department of Health statistics which indicate that African Caribbeans are more likely to be forcibly restrained, detained in secure psychiatric settings and over-medicated than any other ethnic group; is concerned that the redrafted Mental Health Bill will do little to address these facts and is alarmed by the new much wider definition of mental illness, provisions to detain anyone for `appearing dangerous', the increase in police powers of detention and the lack of safeguards around over-medication; believes that this will make current racial inequalities worse; and calls on the Government to examine the causes of this inequity in the mental health system and to consult more widely on the impact of the proposed changes on the black and minority ethnic population.

Signatures by party: Labour 30, Conservative 10, Liberal Democrat 10, Plaid Cymru 3, DUP 2, Respect 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.