The Labour Party have announced their manifesto, including a suite of commitments to mental health, for the 2019 General Election.
Labour's commitments include:
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Implementing all of the recommendations set out in the independent review of the Mental Health Act
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Pledge to provide an extra £1.6 billion a year to ensure new standards for mental health are enshrined in the NHS constitution
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Investing £2billion to modernise mental health hospitals and end the use of inappropriate out-of-area placements.
Responding to the manifesto, Vicki Nash, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Mind, said:
“The outdated Mental Health Act has long been in urgent need of reform, with more and more people being sectioned and treated with zero respect or dignity. We are therefore encouraged that the Labour manifesto commits to implementing all of the recommendations laid out in last year’s independent review of the Act.
“We are also pleased to see promises of investment in mental health services for young people, as well as action to transform our welfare system.
“For two years, Brexit has dominated political debate while many critical issues are left gathering dust. That is why Mind has demanded all parties to commit to six key priorities: fixing NHS services, overhauling the Mental Health Act and welfare system, protecting people in the workplace, addressing the mental health crisis among young people and putting mental health at the heart of all policy areas.
“For too long politicians have paid lip service to mental health – it is time for real change. We expect to hear real commitments in other parties’ manifestos.
“Regardless of who forms the next Government, we will continue to fight to keep mental health on the political agenda, to make sure everyone with a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve.”
Read Mind's manifesto and find out how you can get involved in making sure the next government presses play on mental health.
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