New laws that aim to give patients sectioned under the Mental Health Act more dignity and say over their care will be introduced to parliament on Wednesday.

The government says that current laws do not meet modern standards and fail to give patients an adequate voice.

For example, currently individuals experiencing severe mental illness can be placed in police cells, and the law automatically gives a patient’s nearest relative – rather than the person of their choosing such as a partner – a say in decisions about their care.

At the same time, black people are more than three times more likely to be detained under the Act, and those with a learning disability and autistic people are also found to be inappropriately sectioned.

Modernising the Bill was part of Labour's manifesto commitment.

The updates will make it a legal requirement for each patient to have ‘care and treatment plans’ tailored and shaped by their individual needs that will make clear what is needed to progress them to discharge.

Patients will also be able to elect a person to represent their interests.

As part of the update, police and prison cells will not be used to hold people experiencing a mental health crisis - instead patients will be supported to access a suitable healthcare facility that will better support their needs.

Secretary of state for health and social care, Wes Streeting, said: "Our outdated mental health system is letting down some of the most vulnerable people in our society, and is in urgent need of reform.

"The treatment of autistic people and people with learning disabilities, and the way in which black people are disproportionately targeted by the act should shame us all.

"By bringing the Mental Health Act in line with the 21st Century, we will make sure patients are treated with dignity and respect and the public are kept safe."