BPS responds to the King’s Speech

Reacting to the omission of a bill to ban conversion therapy, Dr Adam Jowett, chair of the BPS's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Board, said:

"The absence of a Bill addressing conversion therapy in today's King's Speech is very disappointing. We regret that the government did not take this opportunity to address the issue and protect individuals of all gender and sexual orientation from unethical and potentially harmful practices.

"The Government first committed to ending conversion therapy in 2018. It has already conducted a detailed assessment of the existing legislative framework and identified gaps in current legislation that currently allow conversion therapy to continue.  

"We have consistently campaigned for a ban on conversion therapy that also ensures that the language and provisions are unambiguous in their support for ethical therapeutic approaches which include non-directive and non-judgemental practices.

"Now, in the absence of any forthcoming legislation, we call for all stakeholders to work together on non-legislative measures to tackle such practices including education, training and dialogue with faith communities.

"We are committed to collaborating with the UK Government and devolved nations to ensure that any future policies in this area are well-constructed, inclusive, and effective in safeguarding the interests of all individuals involved."

The government made no mention today of bringing forward a bill to reform the Mental Health Act, with the only mention of mental health being a reference to 'record levels of investment' that are 'expanding and transforming mental health services'.

In response, Sarb Bajwa, Chief Executive of the BPS, said:

"We are incredibly disappointed that today the government has failed to take action to make the Mental Health Act fit for purpose by failing to bring forward a Bill to reform the Act.

"We know that the Mental Health Act has not worked for many patients for a long time, with huge inequalities regarding the disproportionate, and often inappropriate use of detention and restraint.

"Reforming the Act would have also been an opportunity to strengthen the protections and safeguards for those admitted to mental health hospitals where and when appropriate, and make sure people can access the right support, from the right professionals when in a time of crisis.

"We encourage all major parties to include a commitment to reforming the Mental Health Act in their election manifestos."

The BPS has also signed up to a statement from the Children and Young People's Mental Health Coalition, along with nearly 60 other organisations, which expressed deep disappointment at the failure of the government to bring forward a bill to reform the Mental Health Act.

A joint letter from the Mental Health Alliance, of which the BPS is a member, has been sent to the Prime Minister today reacting to the omission of a bill to reform the Mental Health Act.