MP proposes bill to 'save countless lives'

A politician has proposed a bill to the House of Commons which he claims will "potentially save countless lives".

Chris Coghlan, MP for Dorking and Horley, wants to reform the Mental Capacity Act 2005 to tighten legislative safeguards.

It comes after Christopher Laskaris, a 24-year-old autistic man, was stabbed to death by a convicted criminal in 2017.

His mother Fiona Laskaris said he had "repeatedly exploited and abused" prior to his death.

Coghlan said authorities failed to act despite Fiona's continual pleas for help as her son was presumed to have mental capacity to live independently without support.

Both the MP and Fiona are campaigning for "Christopher's Law", which would strengthen the existing Mental Capacity Act by requiring a capacity assessment to be undertaken where credible doubt is raised, including by family members.

"This law would have saved Christopher's life," said Coghlan.

Under the current framework, individuals are presumed to have capacity unless proven otherwise.

Fiona told BBC Radio Surrey that hearing Coghlan introduce the 10 Minute Bill in the House of Commons - which makes the case for Christopher's Law - was a "huge moment".

She said the current situation was "leaving people at risk of harm".

Fiona added that the issues with the Mental Capacity Act have been raised in the past.

"Nothing's been done about it and other lives have been lost".

The government has been approached for comment.

Fiona previously said her son " was put through torment and torture".

Christopher's Law would mean "he can have a meaningful legacy", she added at the time.

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