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We’re pleased to say that the above bill is making good progress through Westminster, and thanks to all of those Scottish MPs who have supported the Bill so far.  Thanks in particular to Dame Anne Begg MP (Aberdeen South) who made what was described as a ‘simply fantastic’ speech in support of the Bill.

The Bill focuses on four pieces of legislation that prevent people with mental health problems from participating fully in society.

The Bill will: • repeal section 141 of the Mental Health Act 1983, under which a Member of the House of Commons, Scottish Parliament, Welsh Assembly or Northern Ireland Assembly automatically loses their seat if they are sectioned under the Mental Health Act for more than six months • amend the Juries Act 1974 to remove the blanket ban on “mentally disordered persons” undertaking jury service • amend the Companies (Model Articles) Regulations 2008 which states that a person might cease to be a director of a public or private company “by reason of their mental health” • amend the School Governance (Constitution) (England) Regulations 2007 so that individuals who have been detained under the Mental Health Act are no longer prevented from being school governors.  (source:  Mind)

The Bill is next due to go to Committee in the House of Commons.  If you’d like to read the transcript of the debate, please follow this link:  www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201213/cmhansard/cm120914/debtext/120914-0002.htm