The standard licensing application process should add modern slavery and human trafficking to the list of serious crimes while emphasising that preventing modern slavery is a valid consideration under the “prevention of crime and disorder” licensing objective.
The more totemic this legislation appears, the higher will be public expectations of it. Even if it passes, will Rishi Sunak be able to persuade voters it was worth the wait?
Recently the Government’s commitment to tackling this abhorrent crime has come into question.
They are our best source of intelligence and vital to putting criminals behind bars, but this Bill would deter them from cooperating.
For all the talk of levelling up ex-industrial towns, the contract for the scheme has been awarded to a mammoth Chinese state-owned company.
Conservatives have been at the forefront of the campaign against modern slavery. We must ensure this legislation isn’t a step backwards.
Councillors can use local collaboration to come into contact with a victim and help them escape their exploitation.
If more former Ministers stayed in the Commons, it would be a more effective chamber.
It’s always done so, and Covid-19 has offered further cover – despite encouraging figures.
Tackling the causes of modern slavery must be a top priority for the new Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
Workers who are effectively modern slaves have been put into the position of having to choose either to work or starve during lockdown.
One principle would stop us being seen as a soft touch for crime: care for the abused properly, and they will help dismantle the gangs.
From my spot on the Domestic Abuse committee, I saw just how much this Government wants to champion the rights of those who have been victimised.
The amendment to the Immigration Bill will be an opportunity to gauge the Party’s willingness to respect the liberties of the most excluded.
I believe that the Government understands that these new arbitrary powers could end up creating unintended consequences – particularly if victims fail to cooperate because of their fear of what would happen to them.