“Nick Clegg apologises and re-affirms his support”

ELECTION 2010 – NICK CLEGG APOLOGISES TO MENTAL HEALTH CHARITY FOR USING THE TERM ‘NUTTERS’, AND RE-AFFIRMS OF HIS SUPPORT IN OUR FIGHT AGAINST MENTAL HEALTH STIGMA*

Nick Clegg, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, has apologised to Stand to Reason for describing the Conservative group in the European Parliament as “nutters, anti-Semites, people who deny climate change exists and homophobes”, in the leadership debate broadcast on Thursday 15th April.

Following a challenge from Stand to Reason regarding the use of the derogatory language linked to mental health, Mr Clegg has apologised for any offence caused. Mr Clegg is a signatory to an agreement by all main party leaders not to use derogatory or stigmatising language related to mental health issues in their campaigns.

In a letter to our director he writes that, “I am acutely aware that the stigma of mental health causes great distress to many people and my use of language that could be considered derogatory was entirely unintentional.”

He goes on to say that he has “consistently tried to raise the profile of mental health issues”, and “that parliamentarians have a responsibility to help change attitudes to mental ill health and I will ensure that my belief in this principle is represented in the language I use in future”.

Mr Clegg, also says that he believes “that mental health has been a ‘Cinderella’ service for far too long, which is why we have made a strong commitment in our manifesto to improving mental health provision.”

Jonathan Naess, director of Stand to Reason, said that, “I very much welcome this step by Nick Clegg. ‘Nutter’ may well be everyday language. But it is in truth an insult based on disparaging and deriding people with mental health problems.”

“Used as a slur in this way by politicians campaigning, it can legitimise laughing about people affected by mental illness. If you’ve ever suffered from mental illness or you have a loved one who’s been affected, you know it’s no laughing matter. It’s not ok to joke about someone in a wheelchair, so what’s so funny about mental illness?”

“We very much appreciate this move by Nick Clegg and hope all the political parties will now abide by the compact until May 6 and beyond. Whilst obviously this incident was unfortunate, we are reassured by Mr Clegg’s reaffirmation of his commitment to the agreement.”

All three major party leaders are signatories to the Election Compact; an agreement which Stand to Reason helped broker. Each has agreed that they will not stigmatise, slur or discriminate against anyone with a mental health problem, that they will Challenge negative attitudes towards mental health and represent the interests of all their constituents, regardless of their mental health. All have agreed to ensure that everyone involved in their campaigns pledges to abide by these principles.

Stand to Reason continues to fight the stigma around mental health, and we welcome anyone who wishes to support us or take part in this campaign.”

Nick Clegg’s Letter in full
The Election Compact agreement