Source · Select Committees · Home Affairs Committee
Recommendation 3
3
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 29
Home Office policy shift hinders modern slavery strategy and victim protection efforts.
Conclusion
The Home Office’s shift in policy focus to irregular migration is also demonstrated by the Government’s long delay in producing a new Modern Slavery Strategy and by the recent transfer of elements of responsibility for modern slavery and human trafficking from the Safeguarding Minister’s portfolio to that of the Immigration Minister.
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the importance of a modern slavery strategy, stating it will resume publishing an Annual Report on Modern Slavery this year and will consider delivering a new strategy. It defends its approach to tackling modern slavery and migration together, implicitly addressing the observed transfer of ministerial responsibility.
Paragraph Reference:
29
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
15. As set out in the introduction, given the close links between modern slavery and migration, with around three-quarters of potential victims being subject to immigration controls from January to September 20222, it is right that the Home Office tackles both together. Our Ministers work together closely to balance the need to ensure the UK maintains secure borders and public order, whilst providing victims of crime with appropriate support. 16. The Government remains committed to identifying victims of modern slavery, both UK and foreign nationals, and providing appropriate support where necessary. A total of 10,704 people received support through the Modern Slavery Victim Care Contract (MSVCC) during the year ending June 2023, the largest number supported for any year since the contract began. 17. We share the Committee’s focus on the importance of a strategy to guide work tackling this crime. As set out in the introduction, the UK’s response to modern slavery is underpinned by the Modern Slavery Strategy 2014 as well as the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and subsequent legislation. 18. This year the Government will resume publication of an Annual Report on Modern Slavery to set out our strategic approach to tackling modern slavery, and ensure the work being done to tackle this crime is shared and monitored. We will continue to work closely with stakeholders to inform our approach to tackling all forms of exploitation, including through Modern Slavery Engagement Forums (MSEFs). The Government will also consider delivering a new modern slavery strategy.