Press Release 2 ­ 18th November 2003 For immediate release

Armed with a doctor’s certificate, recommendations from two psychiatrists and a straight-jacket, a group of campaigners will attempt to get George W Bush sectioned under the Mental Health Act (1983) during his visit to Britain this week.

Under the Act, a person is subject to compulsory admission for assessment in a mental institution if a doctor fears they are “likely to cause harm to themselves or others”. Using their knowledge of the system, the group composed of doctors, psychologists and mental health professionals will attempt to force an emergency section.

An emergency admission for observation under Section 4 of the Act lasts for three days and can be sanctioned by one doctor. Admission under Section 2 can last for 28 days, whilst under Section 4 the patient can be detained for up to six months.

The group behind this plan is he No Confidence Campaign, a non-aligned group of activists and health care professionals who were formed before the outbreak of war in an attempt to force a vote of no confidence in the Tony Blair’s leadership on the grounds of mental incapacity. They believe that President Bush’s mental stability also needs to be examined. His youthful penchant for sticking firecrackers in live frogs and his defence of the practice of branding fraternity pledges with heated coat hangers has been reported in the New York Times and concerns about his messianic style of leadership are widespread. Consultant psychiatrist Dr A Walker said today;

“In Mr Bush we see an individual who believes he has been chosen by god, who holds to certain beliefs regardless of logic or fact, and who demonstrates an inability to empathise. These are classic symptoms of someone suffering from psychotic grandiose delusions.”

Stefan Simanowitz, spokesman for the NCC, said today;

“Under the Mental Health Act 1983 a person can be sectioned if they are likely to cause harm to themselves or to others. It is beyond dispute that George W Bush has caused grievous harm to thousands of people Iraq. Unless he is locked away in a secure institution, he looks set to continue to threaten lives and stability on a global scale.”.
Whilst the NCC recognises that the attempts by “men in white coats” armed an compulsory assessment order are likely to fail, they insist that whilst the action may be a ‘stunt’ it is certainly no ‘joke’.
“The war in Iraq was based on the principle of ‘anticipatory self defence’ or ‘preventive war’. If we allow the concept that wars can be fought on the basis of what states might do rather than what they have done or are about to do it will shatter the precepts of international law and spark problems across the globe. It is nothing short of madness.” Simanowitz said.

The group will be tracking President Bush throughout his stay and hope that police will cooperate in enforcing the Section.

Contact: NCC Press Office - 020 75871667 or 07799650791