Modern slavery is a world-wide problem with complex implications. Protecting the safety of victims is pitted against the important and legitimate need to prevent illegal immigration from shooting through the roof. Most competent analyst agree that modern slavery should never be ignored, but neither should the importance of controlling immigration levels.
Educator Claire Coleman, told The Eye Of Media.Com: ”There is no doubt illegal immigration should be controlled, but turning a blind eye to modern slavery is not an option. Victims found in this country should be dealt with professionally and sensitively, with the ultimate aim of sending them back to a safer environment. Even if it means supporting some of them financially to go back to their country where they can improve their lives, this is something to be considered”.
Ministers will be concerned about sending out the wrong message if victims of modern slavery are paid to return home. Abusers of the system could see this as a loophole and exploit the system. It is always important to capture and punish offenders of modern slavery, so they don’t see it as a profitable means of operation.
The fact safeguarding minister, successor, Mims Davies makes no reference to the offence has raised concern in some quarters that she has no plans to take claims of modern slavery seriously.
The Uk Guardian has today led the way in addressing this important topic, making reference to a statement Braverman said last week that trafficking claims from “people gaming the system” were “derailing the UK’s policy on illegal migration”.
The shadow home secretary, Yvette Cooper, said: “The largest single group of modern slavery victims under the referral system last year were British children – including those who were exploited through county lines.
“The evidence shows the majority of exploitation takes place in the UK rather than across borders.
“The government should be treating this as an enforcement and safeguarding issue and taking stronger action against the crime of modern slavery wherever it takes place.”
Charities working with victims say characterising the crime as an illegal immigration issue is dangerous. More than a quarter of all people identified as potential modern slavery victims are British, according to official statistics.”
Kate Roberts, head of policy at Focus on Labour Exploitation, said: “Modern Slavery is a serious crime which is carried out against individuals and to see it as an immigration matter is wrong and is risky.
“Preventing and addressing modern slavery should take a person centred approach – starting with safeguarding and ensuring the rights of potential victims.
While restricted or insecure immigration status can be abused by exploiters who use immigration detention as a threat against seeking help from the authorities, this is only one of many tools traffickers use, as evidenced by the fact that many British people are victims of trafficking.”
A Home Office spokesperson said: “We are committed to tackling the heinous crime of modern slavery and in the UK we have a world-leading response. However, it is clear people are abusing our system when they have no right to be here, in order to frustrate their removal.”