Safeguarding Minister questioned on Government response to human trafficking
The Home Affairs Committee holds the final evidence session of its inquiry into human trafficking on Wednesday 19 July when it takes evidence from Safeguarding Minister, Sarah Dines, former Migration and Modern Slavery Envoy, Andrew Patrick, and senior officials in the Home Office.
Meeting details
The session will examine the work of the Home Office, its policies and legislation, in tackling human trafficking. With no new modern slavery strategy since 2014 and the post of Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner still unfilled, the Committee will investigate whether the Government is doing enough to prioritise this form of crime.
It will also examine how victims of human trafficking and modern slavery are supported. This will include whether the National Referral Mechanism is in need of reform, in light of lengthy decision-making times and lack of confidence from victims and some stakeholders.
In 2022, only 1.6% of referrals from the NRM resulted in a conviction for modern slavery. In light of this the Committee will question the Government on what more it can do to improve conviction rates for this form of crime.