Ten Minute Rule MotionWednesday, 8 July 2026

Mental capacity (duty to assess)

MP proposes a new law (usually symbolic)

A ten-minute rule motion proposing a statutory duty on public bodies to assess mental capacity in vulnerable individuals. Chris Coghlan (Lib Dem) is seeking to establish a legal requirement for early and proactive assessment of mental capacity, particularly among older people, those with dementia, and other groups at risk. The motion would embed capacity assessment into standard practice rather than leaving it reactive or discretionary.

This affects millions of older people and adults with cognitive impairment across the UK. Better mental capacity assessment can prevent abuse, inappropriate care decisions, and loss of autonomy. It has direct implications for social care providers, NHS services, and the justice system. If adopted as policy, it would reshape safeguarding practice and impose new duties on councils and health bodies.

Health & NHS Social Care

Sponsoring and interested MPs

Stephen KinnockLabour Party

Aberafan Maesteg

Minister of State — portfolio topic overlap (35pts); Spoken on health, social-care (247 times, 40pts); Known positions: health: supportive, health: neutral, social-care: supportive (30pts)Voting record

Dr Caroline JohnsonConservative and Unionist Party

Sleaford and North Hykeham

Shadow Health and Social Care — portfolio topic overlap (35pts); Spoken on health, social-care (195 times, 40pts); Known positions: health: opposed, health: questioning, health: supportive (30pts)Voting record

Dr Zubir AhmedLabour Party

Glasgow South West

Parliamentary Under-Secretary — portfolio topic overlap (35pts); Spoken on health, social-care (83 times, 40pts); Known positions: health: supportive, health: neutral, health: opposed (30pts)Voting record

Olivia BaileyLabour Party

Reading West and Mid Berkshire

Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Education) — portfolio topic overlap (35pts); Spoken on health, social-care (40 times, 40pts); Known positions: health: supportive, social-care: supportive, health: opposed (30pts)Voting record

Wes StreetingLabour Party

Ilford North

Secretary of State for Health and Social Care — portfolio topic overlap (35pts); Spoken on health, social-care (137 times, 40pts); Known positions: health: supportive, health: neutral, social-care: supportive (30pts)Voting record

Mental capacity (duty to assess)

Sponsoring and interested MPs

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