Modern Slavery Bill strengthened to provide better protection for victims
The Minister for Modern Slavery and Organised Crime, Karen Bradley, has announced a package of amendments to strengthen the Modern Slavery Bill.
The landmark legislation, which will become an Act of Parliament before the General Election, is currently being scrutinised in the House of Lords.
The new changes to the Modern Slavery Bill help make sure victims of modern slavery receive the best possible support and protection by:
- Ensuring child victims find it easier to access the statutory defence for victims;
- Providing child trafficking advocates with clearer powers to help them look after the wellbeing of child victims;
- Enabling support for victims of trafficking to be placed in statute through regulations; And
- Giving the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner greater powers to safeguard his independence and making clear that he can look at support and assistance for victims.
Minister for Modern Slavery and Organised Crime Karen Bradley said:
Strengthening support for victims of modern slavery and targeting the perpetrators form the two central planks of our work to eradicate this vile trade.
Victims are at the heart of everything we do and I want to make sure those affected receive the best possible protection.
These changes will help ensure child victims are better supported by the Criminal Justice System, and that they receive the help needed to allow them to recover from their ordeal.
Work published by the Home Office Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor Bernard Silverman, last year estimates there are between 10 and 13 thousand potential victims of slavery in the UK.