On Monday 14th October, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II delivered the 65th Queen's Speech of her reign setting out the current Government's plans for this Parliament - which included a renewal of the pledge to improve mental health.
Any state occasion is worth noting, but the Queens Speech is a particularly important event in the national calendar. Not only does it form a crucial part of the State Opening of Parliament, it also sets out the legislative agenda for the incumbent Government (despite only usually lasting about 10 minutes).
While most of the focus will undoubtedly be on the Brexit elements of the speech, there was a brief line which will directly impact on mental health provision and care in the UK - "New laws will be taken forward to help implement the National Health Service's Long Term Plan in England."
The BBC has concluded that this statement will not only engender a renewed commitment to the plan originally unveiled under Theresa May's premiership, but that it also includes a raft of new legislation to continue improvements to mental health care and improving patient safety.
Source(s):
+ https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-50016682
+ https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-32816450