Source · Select Committees · Home Affairs Committee
Recommendation 6
6
Rejected
Paragraph: 32
Reinstate full modern slavery policy remit to Safeguarding Minister, removing immigration oversight.
Recommendation
In accordance with the recommendation made by the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in its 2023 UK country visit report, we urge the Government to withdraw the issue of modern slavery and human trafficking from the Minister for Immigration and reinstate the full remit of human trafficking and modern slavery policy to the Minister for Safeguarding alone.
Government Response Summary
The government rejects the recommendation to separate ministerial responsibilities, stating it is right for the Home Office to tackle modern slavery and migration together and that Ministers balance border security with victim support.
Paragraph Reference:
32
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government
Rejected
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.