Lib Dems back 'IoS' campaign

A political battle over the Government's proposed mental health legislation will begin in earnest with the Liberal Democrats' conference motion describing it as "dictatorial and distorted".

While it will be the first major political debate on the Mental Health Bill since The Independent on Sunday launched its campaign for better treatment of the mentally ill in June, it is expected to be the precursor to a series of protests planned to persuade Mr Blunkett to abandon or radically modify the proposals.

Influential backbench Labour MPs have also endorsed the campaign. David Hinchcliffe, chairman of the Commons Health Select Committee, Dr Doug Naysmith, a member of the committee, and Dr Howard Stoate MP, secretary of the Labour Party's health committee have all indicated they won't vote for the bill without significant amendments.

The expression of support from the Liberal Democrats at their conference follows backing from Dr Liam Fox MP, the Conservatives' spokesman on health. Alan Milburn, the Health Secretary, has already been forced to allow MPs more time to raise objections, amid fears of a backbench rebellion.

Since the campaign's inception, hundreds of IoS readers have written in expressing support, asking for help and telling their stories.

Politicians, experts and celebrities have backed this newspaper's drive to improve the treatment of mentally ill people. Supporters include Australian pop star Natalie Imbruglia, comedian Jo Brand and actresses Penelope Keith and Stephanie Cole. Author AS Byatt, artist Tracey Emin and agony aunt Claire Rayner have also pledged their backing.

They have all been joined by mental health experts such as human rights lawyer Rebecca Fitzpatrick and campaigners Baroness Kennedy QC and Marjorie Wallace, chief executive of SANE.

Thousands of marchers are expected to take part in a mass demonstration on 14 September in Whitehall, London. There will also be a rally in Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park, the site of the original Bedlam hospital.

Charles Kay, former chief executive of the Special Hospital Authority for Broadmoor, Rampton and Ashworth, will write later this year in the Mental Health Review that the Government's shift towards focusing on control and detention is flawed.