The Modern Slavery Act 2015 has played a key role in transforming the UK’s response to modern slavery on a national and international level. The Act provides police and law enforcement agencies with the necessary powers to bring perpetrators to justice and enhances protections given to victims. You may be interested to know that the Act has resulted in a significant uplift in law enforcement activity against the criminals behind this abhorrent crime.
This country is a world leader in the fight against modern slavery. However, I was concerned by Home Office research which highlighted the devastating economic and social costs of modern slavery. Estimates suggest that modern slavery costs the UK up to £4.3 billion a year and each modern slavery crime is second only to homicide in terms of harm to its victims and society.
As a result, that is why it is important that the Modern Slavery Act must be as effective as possible. I was encouraged that the Government commissioned an independent review of the Modern Slavery Act, to ensure our legislative framework continues to be truly world-leading as the forms of modern slavery and nature of exploitation faced by vulnerable people evolve over time.
I welcome the fact that following the Independent Review, the Government will now consult on proposals to enhance transparency and push compliance with the legislation forward. I think it is encouraging that the consultation seeks views on proposals to expand the law to cover the public sector. As you may be aware, the legislation requires businesses to publish statements outlining what action they are taking to tackle modern slavery and forced labour in their supply chains in the UK and overseas.
The UK has not yet claimed all of the available funding from the Fund for European Aid to the Most Deprived (FEAD), but I know my colleagues in the Home Office are working hard alongside the European Commission to secure funding for victims of modern slavery and for those being resettled in the UK.
Unfortunately, a combination of time constraints and commission rules meant that it was not possible to claim all FEAD funding before the deadline. However, I have noted the Commission's support in our efforts to tackle modern slavery.
I welcome the fact that the Modern Slavery (Victim Support) Bill provides an opportunity for Members of Parliament to engage with the issue of support for victims of modern slavery and I know it has already generated significant discussion and debate.
However, I do agree with the Government’s position that the consideration of whether an individual is a victim of modern slavery and any decisions as to their immigration status are and must remain separate. Therefore, I do not agree that victims should be automatically granted leave to remain for 12 months.