Documents to download

The Mental Health Units (Use of Force) Bill is a private member’s bill introduced in the House of Commons by Steve Reed (Labour MP for Croydon North) and sponsored in the House of Lords by Baroness Massey of Darwen (Labour). The Bill has Government support and completed its third reading in the House of Commons on 6 July 2018. The Bill received its first reading in the House of Lords on 9 July 2018, and is due to be considered at second reading on 7 September 2018. The Bill was introduced by Steve Reed following the death of his constituent Olaseni Lewis on 4 September 2010, who died after being restrained by police officers in a mental health unit. The Bill would make provision for increased oversight and management of the use of force in mental health units in England and Wales, and would require police officers to wear body cameras when attending mental health units. 

This briefing summarises the Bill’s provisions, the policy background, and the Bill’s House of Commons stages. 

Related Links

Documents to download

Related posts

  • Acute, primary and community healthcare

    There have been big differences in expenditure across different forms of healthcare for a number of years. In 2024/25, spending on acute care was £74.7bn, compared to £14.5bn on primary care and £13.8bn on community services. Both the 2024 Labour Party manifesto and the subsequent 10 year health plan for England contained an emphasis on shifting towards more care being delivered in local communities rather than in acute settings, dubbed a ‘neighbourhood health service’.

    Acute, primary and community healthcare

  • Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME): An overview

    Myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as ME or chronic fatigue syndrome, is a long-term health condition that is estimated to affect over 400,000 people in the UK. It is a fluctuating condition with symptoms including fatigue, sleep problems and brain fog. In 2025 the government published its final delivery plan on ME, which aimed to improve care and support for those with the condition.

    Myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME): An overview

  • Welfare reforms and youth unemployment

    Concerns have been raised about levels of welfare spending in the UK and increasing numbers of young people not in education, employment or training. This briefing sets out statistics, government policy and commentary on welfare and youth employment. This includes the government’s youth guarantee, its ‘Get Britain working’ policies and the interim report by Alan Milburn on young people and work.

    Welfare reforms and youth unemployment