English mental health policy under New Labour

This article reviews the changes in mental health policy in England under the jurisdiction of New Labour governments between 1997 and 2007. These are considered in relation to recurring policy questions about: the structures and processes involved in responding to mental health problems; professional jurisdiction for mental health problems; the conditions under which mental disorder should be lawfully controlled; links with wider health and welfare policy changes; and the enhancement of mental health in the population. Distinctions are made in the analysis between continuities about this policy agenda and the particular features linked to the period under consideration, initiated or responded to by government.