Source · Select Committees · Home Affairs Committee
Recommendation 47
47
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 144
NCA resources diverted from modern slavery, impacting UK and international anti-trafficking efforts.
Conclusion
The National Crime Agency’s (NCA) remit is not only international but also includes internal organised crime group threats. The NCA’s work has been mostly diverted to focus on tackling smuggling upstream, in line with the Government’s focus on organised immigration crime. The diverting of resources away from modern slavery and human trafficking impacts the fight against both UK-based trafficking and at the international level.
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the committee's observation by reiterating that modern slavery remains a priority for the NCA, and justifies its focus on illegal migration by highlighting the close links between modern slavery and migration.
Paragraph Reference:
144
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
Modern slavery remains a priority for the National Crime Agency and police forces across England and Wales. 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 2022, 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. 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.