The modern world has not yet abolished slavery and forced deprivation

The health service has said that it will stop locking up, isolating and physically restraining autistic children after an inquiry stated that it was damaging to their health.

NHS England has committed to make radical changes within 18 months, including a pledge not to place children with autism and learning difficulties in psychiatric wards unless they have a mental illness.

Matt Hancock, the health secretary, commissioned an inquiry led by Teresa Fenech, director of nursing at NHS England, after a series of scandals that involved the abuse of vulnerable patients, enforced medication and the use of seclusion cells.

In one case a girl with autism, Bethany, then aged 17, was held in isolation for 21 months at a private psychiatric hospital in Northampton.

Here is more from The Times of London, via Michelle Dawson.