Select committee: Home Affairs Committee
Conclusion 10
First Report - Human trafficking
Published 8 Dec 2023
Paragraph 49
Addressed to Home Office
Home Affairs Committee Human Trafficking All items in this report Report on parliament.uk ↗ Inquiry on parliament.uk ↗
Conclusion (the committee's words)
We welcome the Home Office’s appointment of a new Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner (IASC) and look forward to inviting her to speak to us as soon as possible, to understand how she intends to prioritise the prevention of human trafficking—including tackling demand, the prosecution of offenders and the protection of victims. However, it is unacceptable and appears to be, at least in spirit, a breach of the statutory duty that there has been no IASC in post for a year and a half, during which time key legislative changes have been made and levels of public discourse around modern slavery have been high. Furthermore, there was no good reason for the delay in this appointment. The role of the Commissioner is crucial not only because of the Government’s statutory obligation to have an IASC in post, but also because it provides an essential, independent voice that is vital in the current political debate about human trafficking and modern slavery in the UK.
From: Home Affairs Committee, First Report - Human trafficking (HC 124), paragraph 49, 8 December 2023
Government response
The government responded to the whole report on 22 February 2024 (deadline 8 February 2024).
Summary written by Accountability Index from the government's response. It is not the government's own words.The government says it remains "committed to tackling the crime of modern slavery" and responds to each recommendation, accepting some points and declining others with stated reasons.
- On strategy and reporting, the government says it "will resume publication of an Annual Report on Modern Slavery" this year and "will also consider delivering a new modern slavery strategy".
- It does not accept the recommendation on a statutory definition of child criminal exploitation, saying it does "not believe a statutory definition is required" to ensure victims are supported.
- On the 12 months' support commitment for confirmed victims, it concluded that the existing needs-based approach ensures support is available "for the necessary length of time, including if this is 12 months, or longer".
- On Independent Child Trafficking Guardians, it remains committed to national rollout, which is "still subject to approval of business cases and funding arrangements", and says it will publish evaluations of the ICTG programme and devolved decision-making pilot.