Experts warn of mental health stigma after Streeting's overdiagnosis remarks

Wes Streeting's comments that there is an "overdiagnosis" of some mental health conditions has prompted experts to warn against stigmatising and punishing people.

- Emine Sinmaz, Jessica Elgot

The health secretary also said too many people were being "written off", as he was questioned about the government's welfare measures. Speaking to broadcasters, Streeting was repeatedly challenged on whether ministers were leaving disabled people uninformed for too long about the plans - and whether they would freeze the personal independence payment (Pip) as part of their welfare package this week.

Streeting did not deny the government had dropped plans to freeze Pip after a major backlash from Labour MPs this week. There are still expected to be significant changes to Pip, including making the disability payment - which is not dependent on work - harder to claim, as well as changes to employment support for those too sick or disabled to work.

Asked whether he thought overdiagnosis of some conditions was a problem, he told BBC One's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg: "I want to follow the evidence and I agree with that point about overdiagnosis.