The UK government announced plans to prohibit using police cells for detaining individuals with mental health issues, aiming to reform outdated laws in England and Wales. Officers currently hold individuals in cells for up to 24 hours as a makeshift ‘place of safety’ before medical assessment. The new legislation, backed by mental health charities, intends to modernize detention practices and improve rights for patients. Additionally, a 28-day detention limit for autistic individuals and those with learning disabilities, along with enhanced representation rights, will be introduced under the upcoming Mental Health Bill.