However, the Alliance is now urging the government to confirm that their decision to drop the planned legislation from the Queen’s Speech does not indicate a lessening in its commitment to mental health.

The white paper on reform of the Mental Health Act was published in December last year and a Bill was expected to be tabled later this year.

Alliance chair Paul Farmer said: "We are concerned that this is being put back, but hope that this shows a government intention to look more closely at the ways in which a new Mental Health Act can be used to meet the needs of people in the 21^st century. We hope that the decision to drop plans for early legislation does not mark a falling away from the government’s commitment to make mental health one of its priorities for the next 10 years."

Mr Farmer added: "We are ready to work closely with the government to make sure that the legislation when it comes is workable and in the interests of everyone affected by mental health issues."

Core members: Afiya Trust, AWAAZ (Manchester), BASW, Common Agenda, CPNA, Critical Psychiatry Group, IMHAP, Kings Fund, MACA, MDF, MHF, Mind, NSF, Richmond Fellowship, RCN, SANE, SIRI, Turning Point, UKAN, United Response, UK Federation of Smaller Mental Health Agencies, Unison, US net, Voices Forum

Associate members: ACCI, Age Concern England, Age Concern (London), Alcohol Concern, ACHCEW, AWETU, British Deaf Association, British Psychological Society, Carers` National Association, Church of England Board of Social Responsibility Home Affairs Committee, Confederation of Indian Organisations, Democratic Health Network (LGIU), Depression Alliance, Having a Voice Ltd., Greater London Mental Health Advocacy Network, Justice, Kente, Mencap, NACRO, National Autistic Society, Race on the Agenda, RADAR, Refugee Action, Royal College of GPs, Sign, Social Action for Health, Somali Mental Health Project, WISH, Young Minds