Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

People Trafficking

Thursday 14 March 2024 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The CPS has specially trained prosecutors to handle trafficking cases for organ harvesting.
  • The Government provides early advice to law enforcement through the CPS.
  • The Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill will address people-smuggling gangs and protect trafficking victims.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Deidre Brock SNP
Immigration Crime & Law Enforcement NHS
Context

The question arises from concerns about the increasing number of potential UK victims of modern slavery, particularly women and children.

Question

What steps is the Crown Prosecution Service taking to prosecute people for the trafficking of vulnerable adults and children into the UK?

Answer from Robert Courts

The CPS has specially trained prosecutors who work closely with law enforcement agencies to bring to justice those who commit the heinous crimes of trafficking people for organ harvesting, presenting complex and difficult challenges. These teams have recently obtained convictions.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures against vulnerable adults and children not detailed

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 Deidre Brock SNP
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts Employment
Context

The number of potential UK victims of modern slavery has reached a record level, with referrals for women and children at all-time highs. The average wait time for decisions in modern slavery cases increased from six days in 2022 to 23 days in 2023.

Question

Given that the number of potential UK victims of modern slavery has reached record levels and the wait times for decisions have significantly increased, when will the Government accept this as a crisis and take urgent action?

Answer from Robert Courts

The Government acknowledges the seriousness of the crime and provides early advice to law enforcement through CPS, ensuring specialist prosecutors provide appropriate advice and charges against perpetrators.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Urgency not directly acknowledged; no commitment to immediate action

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q3 Karl Turner Ind Kingston upon Hull East
Immigration Crime & Law Enforcement
Context

Despite harsh weather conditions, thousands of individuals continue to cross the channel in small boats. The Government's threat of deportation to Rwanda has not acted as a deterrent.

Question

With no evidence that the threat of deportation to Rwanda acts as a deterrent, and given plans for a £3,000 incentive for refugees to get on planes to Rwanda, does the Solicitor General accept that prosecuting criminals is essential?

Answer from Robert Courts

The country faces a major challenge from cruel people-smuggling gangs exploiting individuals financially and emotionally. The Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill addresses this issue, emphasizing the importance of taking action against these gangs.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Plan for £3,000 incentive not addressed; no direct commitment to prosecuting criminals

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q4 Patricia Gibson SNP
Immigration Migrants & Borders Safeguarding & DBS
Context

The Prime Minister's flagship Rwanda Bill was defeated 10 times in the House of Lords, with concerns about protecting victims of modern slavery from being removed to Rwanda without their consent.

Question

Does the Solicitor General understand that modern slavery protections for vulnerable children and adults appear to be expendable under his Government, given the defeat of the Rwanda Bill?

Answer from Robert Courts

The Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill will be debated further when it returns to the Commons next week. The treaty between the UK and Rwanda includes provisions for protecting trafficking victims, addressing their safety and preventing re-trafficking.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific protections not detailed; concern about expediency of protections not addressed

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)