Bethany Rielly
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RISHI SUNAK must reverse government attacks on victims of modern slavery and trafficking, campaigners have demanded.
As the new PM steps into office, campaigners are urging him to prioritise modern slavery victims and move away from “harmful” rhetoric.
It comes after Suella Braverman, who was re-appointed as Home Secretary on Tuesday afternoon just six days after being forced to resign over a security breach, claimed people were “gaming” the slavery initiative for immigration purposes.
Concerns over Ms Braverman’s approach intensified earlier this month after it was revealed that her office had reclassified modern slavery as an “illegal immigration issue” rather than an issue for the safeguarding minister.
Her predecessor Priti Patel also set out to weaken protections for victims of modern slavery and trafficking in the new Nationality and Borders Bill.
Anti-Slavery International is calling on Mr Sunak to prioritise the crime, warning that recent government chaos and delays to new legislation aimed at strengthening protection and support for victims have put thousands at “real risk” of being forgotten and failed.
The charity’s CEO Jasmine O’Connor said: “In fewer than three months, we have had three prime ministers and three home secretaries – including one who shook the foundations of the UK’s protections for modern slavery victims.
“In these three months, crucial legislation on modern slavery has slowed or ground to a halt.
“In the UK at the moment, a three-month period could see over 4,000 people referred to authorities as potential victims of modern slavery, with 1,600 exploited as children.
“There is a real risk that thousands of victims and survivors are being forgotten and failed. The new Prime Minister and his Home Secretary must act urgently to protect people against modern slavery.”
Every Child Protected Against Trafficking UK CEO Patricia Durr said: “I hope that the new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak works with the whole of the Cabinet to promote a sea change in this administration’s record on human and child rights, and to commit to protecting child victims of trafficking and exploitation."
