POLICE and border officials should be more “proactive” in tackling slavery gangs operating in Britain, a former Home Office adviser has said.

In a report for the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), Fiona Cunningham said the European Union had been “too slow” in responding to the issue and freedom of movement rules had made it easier for “sophisticated” crime gangs to operate.

The government passed the Modern Slavery Act last month and Ms Cunningham said other EU nations should follow suit.

She suggested police and border agents should be more proactive and work with other European countries to develop “multilateral” investigations.

But shadow immigration minister David Hanson said: “It is a pity she didn’t say that in government at the time, as the Home Secretary has cut border staff and has nothing to say about tackling the serious exploitation of migrants, leading to undercutting of local jobs and wages.”