The independent review of the Mental Health Act 1983 has published its interim report.
Commissioned by the Prime Minister and chaired by Professor Sir Simon Wessely, the review is looking at how the legislation is used and how practice can improve. The interim report has identified some priority areas that are likely to be the focus of the full report, which will make recommendations to government in autumn this year.
These include a lack of dignity and respect, high numbers of people being held against their will, disproportionate detentions among people from BAME backgrounds and the need for greater advocacy and support.