UK Councilor Warned Over Mental Health Comments
Oliver Freeston, a Reform UK Councilor in Northeast Lincolnshire, received an official warning after controversial remarks about mental health during a council meeting. He claimed emergency services were overwhelmed by “prolific callers” and described mental health as “the 21st Century bad back.” Ambulance service officials countered, emphasizing the need for care regardless of call frequency.
Freeston later defended his stance, criticizing what he called a “sick note culture” in the UK. A council officer urged him to moderate his language, reminding him of expected conduct as an elected official.
“It’s difficult but even though, using your wording, people might be ‘prolific callers’, the day they call might be the day they need care.”
