Working with the new government
Following last week’s general election, the College is engaging with key ministers and officials.
Over the last few days Sir Keir Starmer MP has started appointing his government.
He confirmed Wes Streeting MP will be the new Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. Mr Streeting served as the Shadow Secretary of State when Labour was in opposition and the College met with him in this role to highlight the importance of improving patient care and investing in the mental health workforce.
It has also been confirmed that Baroness Merron will be the Minister in charge of the mental health brief. Baroness Merron was previously the Minister for Public Health under Gordon Brown.
Amongst the other appointments announced by the Prime Minister were Alan Milburn, a former Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, who will support in efforts to reform the NHS.
The Prime Minister also appointed James Timpson, former CEO of the Timpson Group as Prison Minister. Lord Timpson has a strong interest in prison reform and was a member of the Times Crime and Justice Commission alongside our President, Dr Lade Smith CBE.
Writing to ministers
We are already writing to various new Ministers in the Government to ensure mental health is a priority.
We are initiating engagement with all relevant government departments, from Work and Pensions to Housing, Communities and Local Government.
We will also be attending some of the party conferences in autumn, where we will meet face to face with new members of parliament from the main parties in England.
Agenda for the year ahead
A King’s Speech is expected to take place on the 17 July, which will set out the Government’s legislative agenda for the year ahead.
The College is preparing its engagement with MPs, Peers and Ministers on the new legislation. We are hoping the Government will announce legislation to reform the Mental Health Act as it has indicated previously.
RCPsych President Dr Lade Smith CBE commented:
“Over the next five years, there is a real opportunity to make progress towards reversing the mental health crisis, by working across sectors and within communities to implement cross-Government policies.
“The College looks forward to working with the new Government to promote mental health interventions throughout the population.”