New Order singer criticises ‘ludicrous’ NHS mental health waiting lists

People in crisis can't wait 18 months, says Bernard Sumner at suicide prevention event in parliament

The lead singer of New Order has attacked ludicrous" NHS waiting lists for mental health support, as he spoke out about his anguish at being unable to help his former bandmate Ian Curtis in the days before he took his own life 42 years ago.

Speaking at a suicide prevention event in parliament, Bernard Sumner - who was a member of the post-punk band Joy Division, whose singer, Curtis, killed himself at home in Macclesfield on 18 May 1980 - described the suicide of a friend's daughter who had been told she would have to wait 18 months for help.