MP votes for review into mental health support for armed forces personnel

Last night in Parliament, Cumbrian MP Tim Farron voted for an amendment to the Armed Forces Bill which would require the Government to conduct a formal review of the standards of mental health care available for serving personnel.

Government figures released last month revealed that the number of service personnel being seen by the Ministry of Defence's Specialist Mental Health Services has fallen by 38 per cent since 2014, and is now the lowest it has ever been.

The amendment was voted down by Conservative MPs, by 272 votes to 361.

Speaking after the vote, Tim said: "Many of the men and women who serve our country around the world endure enormous strain on their mental wellbeing, but all too often they are being left to suffer in silence.

"I was proud to vote in favour of forcing the Government to review mental health services so that our brave soldiers have access to the vital support that they need and deserve."