Member

I turn to Amendment 2, tabled by my noble friend Lady Whitaker, who has also tabled a number of other amendments. Amendment 2 was supported by my noble friend Lord Bradley and the noble Lord, Lord Patel, both of whom spoke to these issues. They made the point that communication with patients, particularly when they have severe mental illness, is absolutely key. I associate myself with acknowledging the important role of speech and language therapists in this regard. This amendment would require the Secretary of State to set out, within the statement of principles in the code of practice, how, in fulfilling the principles, a patient’s communication disability, difficulty or difference will be identified and supported. The noble Lord, Lord Kamall, was also supportive of this intent.