RCPsych calls for action following King’s Speech

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Responding to the King’s Speech, made in Parliament on 13 May 2026, President of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, Dr Lade Smith CBE, said:

“The UK Government has set out plans to introduce an NHS Modernisation Bill, including the abolition of NHS England. These proposals represent a significant structural change for the health system. During this period of transition, it is imperative that patient care remains uninterrupted and that staff are supported.

“Changes to system structures will not by themselves improve outcomes for people with mental illness. Changes need to be accompanied by increased priority and resources if we are to reduce waiting times, improve access to care, and strengthen services for those who need them most.

“The College stands ready to work with leaders to support this transition, ensuring that the needs of people with mental illness are prioritised and are at the centre of decision-making.”

“We also welcome the UK Government’s renewed commitment to ban conversion practices, which are unacceptable and harmful. This commitment must now be translated into action through legislation that both prohibits these practices and enables clinicians to have appropriate, evidence-based exploratory conversations with patients.

“Conversion practices are damaging and discriminatory. They can cause serious physical and psychological damage and breach the human rights of those affected, particularly LGBTQ+ people. They can also create barriers to accessing evidence-based treatments, such as psychological therapy, resulting in further harm and distress.”