The Constitutional Reform and Governance Bill

Current Activity

 

House of Commons Debates:

 

 

See amendment tabled by Mark Harper and press release to accompany amendment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

College Issues

The College is supporting amendments to the Constitutional Reform and Governance Bill which will remove Section 141 of the Mental Health Act.

 

Under Section 141 of the Mental Health Act 1983 an MP automatically loses his/her seat in Parliament if detained under the Act for a period of six months or more. There are no provisions suffering from physical illnesses which stop them from carrying out their duties and responsibilities for the same length of time.

 

The College produced a briefing on this issue when it was debated in the Equality Bill. As this amendment was unsuccesful, we believe that amendments must now be made to the Constitutional Reform and Governance Bill.

 

Background: The Constitutional Reform and Governance Bill

 

Tackling discrimination is one of the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ eight key priorities, as set out in the College’s three year Fair Deal for mental health campaign.

 

The Constitutional Reform and Governance Bill represents an opportunity to remove Section 141 of the Mental Health Act, which we see as a key piece of discrimination against mental health in Parliament.

 

The Bill creates basis in law for Parliament to scrutinise treaties. Ends the by-election of hereditary peers to sit in House of Lords. Provides for disqualification of peers convicted of serious offences or subject to a bankruptcy order. Allows peers to resign peerages. Repeals legislation limiting protests around Parliament. Generally extends to whole UK.

© 2011 Royal College of Psychiatrists