Mental Health Bill

A joint committee of MPs and peers has savaged the government's draft Mental Health Bill.

The parliamentarians said introducing compulsory community treatments for psychiatric patients would contravene civil liberties.

The Bill would allow authorities to act "for the protection of other persons" on any grounds, a clause which the committee said should be tightened.

The report, released on Wednesday, called for the Bill to be radically overhauled, warning that state powers could be extended in a dangerous direction.

Party Response: Liberal Democrats

Paul Burstow MP Liberal Democrat health spokesman said:  "This report is welcome.  The committee has undertaken detailed work which sets out clearly the reasons why the bill should be sent back to the drawing board.