Source · Select Committees · Home Affairs Committee
Recommendation 31
31
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 107
Low prosecution rates for human trafficking and modern slavery cases remain unacceptable.
Conclusion
The high number of referrals into the National Referral Mechanism and the number of live investigations together highlight the ability to identify human trafficking and exploitation that occurs in the UK. These cases are resource-intensive and potentially complex; however, the low prosecution rates are unacceptable. The criminal justice system faces constant competing resource demands in this area; however, it needs to Human trafficking 75 be a Government priority to increase the charging and conviction rates for modern slavery and human trafficking offences, to reflect the seriousness of this crime.
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the importance of pursuing and prosecuting human trafficking offenses and states its commitment to driving up prosecution rates through collaboration with law enforcement agencies.
Paragraph Reference:
107
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
119. The Government remains steadfast in its commitment to pursue and prosecute those who seek to exploit others through modern slavery. As the Committee acknowledges, the criminal justice system faces competing resource demands, which is why it is crucial that law enforcement agencies work together to identify and pursue opportunities to bring successful prosecutions. 120. The Government is committed to driving up prosecution rates and has taken action to strengthen the law enforcement response and to work with other agencies across the UK. We continue to work closely with law enforcement partners, including the National Crime Agency, police forces and the Crown Prosecution Service, to build a strong and co-ordinated response to modern slavery.