Modern Slavery Act 2015 10th Anniversary 2025-03-27

The Modern Slavery Act was a comprehensive piece of legislation that introduced new offences, improved protections for victims, and included transparency in supply chains. However, the world has evolved since 2015, with issues like county lines not being phenomena then. It is crucial to understand the difference between human trafficking and people-smuggling, as policy responses must be distinct.

The debate is timely during Ramadan when Uyghurs are imprisoned for observing the fast. The speaker highlights that crimes against humanity in Xinjiang exist alongside financial crime, making it profitable for the Chinese regime. They discuss the involvement of Uyghur slave labour across various sectors including solar energy, electric vehicles, cotton, and agriculture. The speaker argues that due to the lack of transparency in supply chains from Xinjiang, there must be a presumption that goods involve modern slavery.

He commended the introduction of the Modern Slavery Act in 2015 and highlighted that there were approximately 120,000 potential victims of modern slavery in the UK. He pointed out significant issues such as the vacancy of the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner role for 18 months and the lack of enforcement action against non-compliant organisations under section 54 of the Act.

He discussed his personal journey in understanding modern slavery and emphasised that detecting such crimes is challenging due to their covert nature. He highlighted the need for inter-agency collaboration and clearly defined roles to effectively combat this issue.

The Government's action is just the start. We need a response that matches the scale of the hidden challenge. Modern slavery cuts across all aspects of Government and society; our response must match it, cutting across the whole of Government. The Human Trafficking Foundation's work with nine local authorities shows remarkable progress in referrals, training staff, improving partnership working, increasing confidence rates in reporting modern slavery from 45% to close to 99%, leading to prosecutions. We need a national strategy that factors in local partnership responses and devolution is an opportunity to deploy these lessons.

There are two issues: the disbanded multi-agency assurance panels, which reviewed rejected cases by bringing together expertise, overturning 70% of reconsidered negative decisions. This is crucial for ensuring sound decision-making processes and checking that decisions are sound. Secondly, people on temporary work visas face vulnerability to labour exploitation if their visa is tied to the employer; this needs reform such as renewable visas, and a provision allowing exploited workers to find alternative employment without being punished by losing their visa.

The Global Slavery Index estimates 122,000 people in slavery conditions in the UK; over 19,000 were referred to NRM last year. Men are often exploited in agriculture, building and takeaways. Takeaway sector growth means workers are unseen in warehouses earning little for low-priced meals, indicating modern slavery. Violence against men is significant too, with 48% of criminal exploitation referrals being boys.

Expressed shock at the number of children, especially boys, being exploited through county lines drug dealing. Highlighted the exploitation of women in the sex industry and their forced confinement. Raised concerns about the care sector and the lack of protection for victims.

Paid tribute to Dame Karen Bradley's legacy in tackling modern slavery. Criticised delays in processing cases through the National Referral Mechanism, noting that delays can lead to re-trafficking of victims. Advocated for local devolution of decision-making processes.

Cited a case from Carlisle where an individual with learning disabilities was kept in captivity for 40 years, emphasising the need for vigilance and action to prevent such occurrences. Highlighted the importance of addressing modern slavery in every community.

Decries the Home Office's loss of sponsorship over the GLAA, questions if the Department for Business and Trade is a suitable replacement. Requests for more inspectors. Criticises the under-resourcing of the GLAA in Scotland, citing one inspector to cover agriculture, fisheries, and farming across the country. Calls for a coherent strategy from the Government to tackle modern slavery, emphasising the need for ministerial grip and clear direction for law enforcement resources. Urges the new White Paper on legal migration to be fully 'modern slavery-proofed' to avoid new routes of exploitation.

Honours previous efforts against slavery, highlighting the 218th anniversary since William Wilberforce's abolition act. Discusses current prevalence and impact of modern slavery in the UK, citing 50 million victims globally and 122,000 estimated to be within Britain. Emphasises that victims are often British men or boys and stresses the need for renewed commitment from Parliament and Government to tackle this issue. Provides personal experience supporting victims of modern slavery before becoming an MP. Mentions a case-based report in Oxford indicating underreporting due to lack of comprehensive data collection methods. Discusses local statistics, with Dorset police reporting 65 cases in 2023 and 108 cases in 2024. Brings forward three specific cases where his office has supported victims, highlighting systemic issues such as long waits for NRM decisions and lack of legal aid funding.

Acknowledges the Modern Slavery Act 2015 as a landmark legislation affirming Britain's commitment to eradicating slavery. Highlights the number of victims and survivors in the UK, emphasising the need for legal definitions, strengthened law enforcement capabilities, corporate supply chain transparency, and support from various sectors like Sussex Police, local authorities, NGOs, and voluntary groups. Pays tribute to individuals such as Lucy Butt at Bramber Bakehouse and survivor Aisha who has rebuilt her life after receiving assistance.

Reiterates the historical significance of the Modern Slavery Bill presented by Baroness May in 2014, highlighting the descriptions of exploitation and abuse faced by victims. Emphasises the legislative milestone as the first of its kind in Europe and commemorates the Royal Assent received a decade ago.

Spoke about the plight of Uyghur people in China and the need to keep laws up to date.

Discussed the complexities of tackling modern slavery within the British state framework, emphasising the importance of Government coordination. Mentioned the proud history of his constituency in fighting against slavery.

Emphasised the need for government coordination and the role local authorities play in tackling modern slavery.

Asked questions about decision reviews and visa flexibility, showing some disagreement with the speaker on these issues.

Discussed the role of drugs trade in trapping young people into exploitation and the horrors of forced prostitution as a form of institutionalised rape.

Acknowledged the hard work done by previous Governments to prevent human trafficking, including child trafficking. Emphasised the need for continuous effort in this area.

Discussed various points related to modern slavery, mentioning exploitation of young boys and the long history of kindness shown by the UK in tackling these issues.

To support that, we have developed the modern slavery action plan in collaboration with the non-governmental organisation sector and criminal justice partners. The plan sets out the first steps of our ambitious vision for tackling modern slavery at its root and reforming the whole system. It reinforces our commitment to working across Government, civil society, businesses and international partners to prevent exploitation, protect victims and pursue those who are responsible for such heinous crimes. To answer the question about whether the NRM is stuck, not working and needs reform, we will soon launch a public consultation on how the Government can improve the process of identifying victims of modern slavery. On there being a two-tier system of protection for victims, it is an absolute reality that I recognise. The issue mentioned by more hon. Members than any other is transparency in supply chains. We are doing whatever we can to ensure that we are improving the systems that we have, and making reporting better and more transparent.

I thank everybody who has taken part, and I will briefly try to mention all of them. The hon. Member for East Renfrewshire (Blair McDougall) mentioned his commitment to the cause of the Uyghurs. The hon. Member for Wimbledon (Mr Kohler), an active member of the Home Affairs Committee, spoke well about his previous constituent Wilberforce and the resources for the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner. The hon. Member for Worcester (Tom Collins), who is an active member of the APPG, spoke movingly about the human reaction to modern slavery issues. The hon. Member for North Herefordshire (Ellie Chowns) made important points about immigration status and its vulnerability. My neighbour the hon. Member for Congleton (Mrs Russell) and I share many of the same issues as we share a border where criminals cross, necessitating collaboration. The hon. Member for Edinburgh East and Musselburgh (Chris Murray), another active member of the Home Affairs Committee, knows what he is talking about regarding independent child trafficking advocates. The final Back-Bench contribution was from the hon. Member for Bournemouth East (Tom Hayes) who talked about his great experience in this House.