Source · Select Committees · Home Affairs Committee
Recommendation 8
8
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 41
Modern Slavery Unit prioritises Illegal Migration Act over preventing human trafficking.
Conclusion
The Modern Slavery Unit’s outputs, including belated information about its new model for stakeholder engagement (Modern Slavery Stakeholder Forums) is opaque to say the least. We deeply regret that a unit comprising 56 staff has prioritised work on the Illegal Migration Act to the detriment of preventing human trafficking, protecting victims and prosecuting offenders responsible for human trafficking.
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the committee's report and the focus on illegal migration, but asserts its continued commitment to tackling modern slavery with an expansive system of work, noting that efforts remain under review.
Paragraph Reference:
41
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
We welcome the report from the Committee and, as we have set out, remain committed to tackling the crime of modern slavery. Whilst recent focus has been on delivering the Government’s work to tackle illegal migration, including through the Nationality and Borders Act 2022 and the Illegal Migration Act 2023, there remains a significant and expansive system of work to tackle modern slavery, as highlighted throughout our response. Our work to combat modern slavery and support victims remains under review and continues to be informed by evidence, best practice and engagement with partners and stakeholders. The Government’s response to each of the Committee’s recommendations is set out below.