18.10.13
Modern Slavery Bill to crack down on offenders
Life sentences are to be introduced for trafficking offences, the Home Office has announced.
The Modern Slavery Bill will be published this year in draft form, setting out tougher measures on offenders.
The Bill will consolidate offences currently used to prosecute slave drivers into a single act, and introduce Trafficking Prevention Orders to restrict the activity and movement of convicted traffickers.
The number of identified victims of slavery continues to rise in the UK, and the Inter-Departmental Ministerial Group (IDMG) has published new statistics showing 1,186 people were identified and referred for support in 2012.
Crime and security minister James Brokenshire said: “Modern slavery is an appalling evil in our midst. Today’s figures are unlikely to reflect the full extent of this largely hidden crime or the human suffering that lies behind each statistic.
“We are taking action to better support and protect victims. At the same time the best way to reduce their number is to disrupt, convict and imprison the criminals involved. That is why combating trafficking is central to our Serious and Organised Crime Strategy and a priority for the new National Crime Agency.
“The Modern Slavery Bill will also send the strongest possible message to criminals that if you are involved in this disgusting trade in human beings, you will be arrested, you will be prosecuted and you will be locked up.”
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