MPs to debate a petition relating to deaths in Mental Health care

The debate will be led by Petitions Committee member Mike Hill MP. MPs from all parties can take part, and a Minister from the Department for Health and Social Care will respond on behalf of the Government. 

I request a full public inquiry into death of my son, Matthew Leahy (20 yrs) 

The petition started by Matthew’s mother, which has more than 105,000 signatures, states: “Matthew was taken to ‘a place of safety’ and died seven days later. Twenty-four others died by the same means, dating back to the year 2000. An indicator that little was done to address the growing problems. Something went terribly wrong with the NHS Mental Health Services provided to my son.” 

She added: “There really is no way that public concern can be allayed, short of an inquiry.” 

In response to the petition, the Government said: “The Government sincerely regrets Matthew’s death. NHS Improvement will review the care that he and others received and will provide advice in due course on whether a public inquiry should be held.” 

What are petitions debates? 

Petitions debates are 'general' debates which allow MPs from all parties to discuss the important issues raised by one or more petitions, and put their concerns to Government Ministers. 

Get involved 

• Follow the Committee on Twitter and join the discussion using #MentalHealthCareDebate 

Further information 

• Find out more about the role of the Petitions Committee 
• Find out more about select committees 

Image: Jessica Taylor