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Trafficking is an evil trade exploiting a weak system. We must act Trafficking is an evil trade exploiting a weak system. We must act
(12 days later)
William Wilberforce's mission was to help and liberate the "poor, helpless, friendless slaves". Yet two centuries after he fought for its abolition, the trade in human beings is growing.William Wilberforce's mission was to help and liberate the "poor, helpless, friendless slaves". Yet two centuries after he fought for its abolition, the trade in human beings is growing.
So the new proposal to introduce a modern slavery bill is welcome. Previously, the home secretary had dragged her feet, refusing European cooperation to stop trafficking. Legislation now should have strong cross-party support. But it's crucial to make sure it is strong enough.So the new proposal to introduce a modern slavery bill is welcome. Previously, the home secretary had dragged her feet, refusing European cooperation to stop trafficking. Legislation now should have strong cross-party support. But it's crucial to make sure it is strong enough.
The government has said it wants to make it easier to prosecute traffickers. Exactly right – we need strong action from the police and courts. We also need much more training for frontline staff to spot signs of trafficking and make sure victims are helped, not punished.The government has said it wants to make it easier to prosecute traffickers. Exactly right – we need strong action from the police and courts. We also need much more training for frontline staff to spot signs of trafficking and make sure victims are helped, not punished.
But help is particularly needed for children – and this is where I fear government plans fall down. Over 2,000 potential victims of human trafficking were found last year, including 550 children. This is likely to be the tip of the iceberg. Yet 65% were not recorded on the national system to increase their protection.But help is particularly needed for children – and this is where I fear government plans fall down. Over 2,000 potential victims of human trafficking were found last year, including 550 children. This is likely to be the tip of the iceberg. Yet 65% were not recorded on the national system to increase their protection.
Most appalling of all is that almost two thirds of rescued children go missing again. Put into care, they simply disappear – presumably picked up by the same or other trafficking gangs.Most appalling of all is that almost two thirds of rescued children go missing again. Put into care, they simply disappear – presumably picked up by the same or other trafficking gangs.
Abused already, they are then let down by a system supposed to keep them safe. Charities describe finding children who don't know which country they are in. Some are sexually exploited in brothels or tend cannabis factories.Abused already, they are then let down by a system supposed to keep them safe. Charities describe finding children who don't know which country they are in. Some are sexually exploited in brothels or tend cannabis factories.
The EU directive on human trafficking introduces the concept of independent "guardians" for trafficked children to help and protect them. But so far the home secretary has refused to implement them.The EU directive on human trafficking introduces the concept of independent "guardians" for trafficked children to help and protect them. But so far the home secretary has refused to implement them.
We also need more European co-operation, not less. Europol, working with the UK and others, recently found 450 women being trafficked for sexual exploitation. The government shouldn't put that cooperation at risk.We also need more European co-operation, not less. Europol, working with the UK and others, recently found 450 women being trafficked for sexual exploitation. The government shouldn't put that cooperation at risk.
Trafficking isn't only a disgusting crime. It's an evil trade exploiting a weak system. We must make sure government does everything possible to follow the hearts of the abolitionists and help the most helpless and friendless of all.Trafficking isn't only a disgusting crime. It's an evil trade exploiting a weak system. We must make sure government does everything possible to follow the hearts of the abolitionists and help the most helpless and friendless of all.
Yvette Cooper is the shadow home secretaryYvette Cooper is the shadow home secretary
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