John Reid has reaffirmed the government's commitment to a controversial overhaul of the mental health laws.

The health secretary issued a statement explaining that a draft bill would be put before MPs "as soon as possible".

His statement came after it emerged that the legislation was absent from the Queen's Speech.

The proposals by ministers have sparked controversy among health professionals and mental health campaigners.

Among plans had been proposals to give psychiatrists powers to detain people with severe personality disorders.

The draft bill as it currently stands allows people who are considered a threat to themselves or others to be detained even when they have committed no crime.

It also allows compulsory treatment in the community.

Reid signalled those ideas could remain in the legislation.

"This government is fully committed to reforming mental health legislation," he said.

"We must make significant improvements to patient safeguards, provide a modern framework of legislation in line with modern patterns of care and treatment and human rights law, and protect public safety by enabling patients to get the right treatment at the right time."

Before the Bill goes any further, ministers pledged to consult with nurses, doctors and campaigners. Reid also promised more resources in the hope of tackling key concerns.

"In order to achieve our objectives, it will be vital to get the legislation right," said Reid.

One possible solution touted by the department was the addition of a code of practice to provide guidance on how the act should be applied.

Health minister Rosie Winterton admitted the wave of criticism had been a key factor in the decision.

"We are all aware that many stakeholders expressed concerns about the draft Bill published last year and, while I believe that many of these concerns are based on misperceptions of the Bill, I am keen to do all that is possible to ensure that we legislate on a sound basis," she said.

The opposition said the existing laws were now hopelessly out of date.

"We desperately need an update to the 1959 and 1983 Mental Health legislation," said shadow health secretary Tim Yeo.

"Unfortunately, it appears that the Mental Health Bill has become the victim of the turf war between the Home Office and the health department.

"We fear that the failure to introduce a Mental Health Bill will heighten the stigma faced by people with mental health problems."