The Modern Day Slavery Bill
I along with my colleagues in the Labour Party are in full support of a Modern Day Slavery Bill. Human trafficking is a heinous crime and as a result of its complicated nature we need specialist legislation in place, and need to bring an end to the suffering of victims, particularly children. The Bill builds on what the previous Labour Government did and the EU Directive on human trafficking but we want to do is make it stronger. The Governments Bill focuses on new offences aiming to get more prosecutions, however Labour want a Bill that also prevents people becoming victims of human trafficking and protects people who do, it will not be possible to get more prosecutions unless we identify the victims and then support them.
Five areas Labour are calling on the Government to improve on are:
• Support for Victims- we need this to be at the fore front of the Bill. The Government are looking for more prosecutions, however without the support in place for the victims we will not have the witness’s to enable prosecution.
• Children – 60% of trafficked children are subsequently lost from care – The Government have made a small compromise and included an enabling clause, but there is a lot of questions as to whether this will be enough.
• The Offences – We welcome the Governments introduction of specific offences covering forced labour and human trafficking, but as currently worded these amendments do not accurately reflect the current nature of human trafficking. The emphasis on travel does not reflect the fact that people can be trafficked without being forcibly moved.
• UK Industry – The Gangmasters Licensing Authority – which Labour introduced – has had a fantastic record at reducing exploitation in the food and agricultural industries we are keen to look at how we can extend the remit of the GLA into industries such as construction and hospitality where there is a high risk of forced labour and exploitation.
• Supply Chains – The biggest omission in the Bill is the lack of any provisions around the supply chains of companies operating in the UK. The UK public are clear – 82% want legislation in this area. This is not an anti- business measure. This is about promoting good business practice in large multi-national firms.
The second reading of the Modern Day Slavery Bill took place on the 8th July 2014 and has been committed to the Public Bill Committee. Please be assured I will continue to push for legislation in the supply chains and call upon the Government to strengthen and improve all areas of the Bill to end the misery for these victims.
Yours sincerely
HUW IRRANCA-DAVIES
MP for Ogmore
You can download a PDF of this letter here.
