Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery

Andrew Selous intervened to support his colleague's speech on the importance of addressing modern slavery globally, citing the International Labour Organisation's estimate that 50 million people are in modern slavery, predominantly in south and south-east Asia. He highlighted the need for the UK Government to challenge governments and businesses involved in supply chains to ensure goods produced under such conditions do not reach the UK.

Watling, a yachtsman, shared an experience where he witnessed the French warship Athos circling a small boat crowded with people in distress. He expressed concern over the Home Office's weak border control and its impact on taxpayers, noting that £7 million per day is spent on hotel fees for migrants. Watling also highlighted issues faced by local councils due to lack of time to prepare services when migrant hotels are opened at short notice.

Ms Lynch highlighted the increasing number of victims, noting a rise from 12,786 in 2021 to nearly 17,000 referrals in 2022. She shared Sanu's story and discussed failures in identifying British victims and referring them to the NRM. Concerned about delays and inconsistencies in support systems, she called for improved first responder training and a multi-agency approach in decision-making processes.

Does my right hon. Friend share my concern that the fact that modern slavery has become part of the debate on the Illegal Migration Bill, which is before the House, means that we are forgetting some of the most vulnerable victims in our society right now? I particularly highlight the cuckooing of people with learning disabilities, who are perhaps the most discriminated community in our society. If we let the debate continue to be seen through the prism of migration, we will be letting down the most vulnerable.

Mr Shannon highlighted the intersection of human trafficking and freedom of religion or belief, emphasizing that girls and women persecuted for their faith are at risk of being trafficked. He cited a 16% increase in forced marriages of women in countries with high Christian persecution and noted that religious minorities in Pakistan face squalid living conditions and poor working conditions due to their beliefs. Mr Shannon also called for the mainstreaming of freedom of religion or belief in international development and aid policy.

Discussed the need for a comprehensive approach to tackle human trafficking and modern-day slavery, emphasizing both domestic and international efforts. She highlighted the importance of supporting victims and prosecuting offenders, referencing specific incidents like the Purfleet lorry incident in Wellingborough. Patel noted that 28 million people globally were forced into labour and 22 million into marriages as per ILO estimates in 2021, an increase from previous years. She also mentioned the delay in appointing an anti-slavery commissioner due to government changes but stressed it should be a whole-of-Government effort.

Sarah Champion thanked Andrew Selous for securing the debate and reinforced his points. She mentioned a meeting with the International Justice Mission in India, which has been working to create child advocates who ensure trafficked children receive proper support services. The MP expressed concern about the Government's approach to tackling modern slavery, particularly through the Illegal Migration Bill. She highlighted that conflating migration with modern slavery hinders efforts to assist survivors and hold traffickers accountable. The MP also criticised provisions in the Bill that would disqualify victims of trafficking from protections under the national referral mechanism. The focus on sentencing is very welcome, but more attention should be given to the pull factor. Women often face sexual exploitation and men are drawn into cannabis farms. Tougher legislation targeting these pull factors could prevent human trafficking.

The hon. Member emphasised the importance of ensuring no products in Parliament are produced by slaves, advocating for the use of soft power and overseas aid to address this issue.

Mr McDonald highlighted the conflation of trafficking and immigration by the Government, which is undermining protections for victims. He expressed concern over the impact of the Illegal Migration Bill on victims of trafficking, noting that it would reduce the number of referrals to the National Referral Mechanism without reducing actual cases of slavery. He also questioned the Home Office's claims about system abuse, stating there was no evidence backing up these allegations. Mr McDonald raised issues with recent updates to modern slavery statutory guidance which he argued may prevent genuine victims from accessing support.