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Modern Day Slavery: Pakistan
13 November 2025
Lead MP
Jim Shannon
Strangford
DUP
Responding Minister
Seema Malhotra
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Word Count: 9749
Other Contributors: 6
At a Glance
Jim Shannon raised concerns about modern day slavery: pakistan in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The debate calls for stronger enforcement of anti-slavery laws and the provision of basic services like healthcare and education for workers in brick kilns. It also asks the Government to support initiatives that aim to eliminate bonded labour practices and provide educational opportunities for children.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Estimates suggest that more than 1 million men, women and children work in approximately 10,000 brick kilns in the Punjab region alone. Despite religious minorities making up only around 5% of Pakistan's population, they constitute over half of those working in brick kilns. The Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act 1992 has failed to address bonded labour and child labour remains widespread, with 62% of children never enrolled in a formal or informal education programme.
Andrew Rosindell
Con
Romford
Stressed that while acknowledging historical issues, modern slavery remains a significant problem requiring urgent action to ensure freedom and dignity for all workers.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Welcomed the steps forward but questioned how to target education for children working in brick kilns. Thanked everyone for participating and highlighted the need for regular inspections as a key factor in making necessary changes.
Martin Rhodes
Lab
Glasgow North
Rhodes acknowledged that despite existing legislation, human rights violations persist. He suggested the need for multilateral policing methods to enforce these protections effectively. He agrees that introducing due diligence legislation for imports is one of the most effective ways to combat modern slavery worldwide. Emphasised the role of due diligence legislation for imports in addressing modern slavery issues.
Monica Harding
Con
Esher and Walton
She notes that an estimated 2.34 million people in Pakistan are affected by modern slavery, with over a million workers in brick kilns suffering from debt bondage and exploitative labour practices. The Liberal Democrats would introduce a business, human rights and environment Bill to establish clear duty of care on companies, financial institutions and public bodies. The legislation would require businesses to carry out due diligence to prevent human rights abuses, including modern slavery and child labour. Emphasised the importance of addressing forced labour globally and called for reforming and strengthening the Modern Slavery Act in the UK. Discussed religious freedom, human rights, global support for tackling bonded labour through legislation, and debts imposed on people.
Ruth Jones
Lab
Newport West and Islwyn
While acknowledging progress, Ruth Jones highlighted that laws against bonded labour lack enforcement. She cited examples of families trapped in debt bondage and the need for stronger inspection and oversight mechanisms. The hon. Member for Newport West highlighted examples of the exploitation of children, women and vulnerable people in Pakistan today. She said we cannot stay silent on slavery and there should be a link between UK aid to Pakistan and dealing with modern-day slavery. Supported calls for stronger action to tackle modern slavery, including the need for clearer guidance to UK firms about risks linked to Pakistan’s construction sector.
Seema Malhotra
Lab
Easington
Discussed UK aid delivery, child registration, referral services and tackling early marriages in Pakistan.
Government Response
Seema Malhotra
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs
Government Response
Expressed condolences for the tragic explosion in Islamabad and acknowledged the work on modern slavery. The Minister committed to supporting interventions against bonded labour and working with international partners to tackle slavery globally.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.