PRESS RELEASE - The Scottish Government today announced its programme for Government, entitled ‘Prosperity, Fairness and Equality for Scotland’.

As part of this intended legislative agenda, the Government said it planned to introduce a Human Trafficking and Exploitation Bill.

CARE for Scotland have welcomed this news:

CARE for Scotland Policy Officer Gordon Macdonald said:

“We welcome the announcement today that the Scottish Government’s legislative programme will include a Human Trafficking and Exploitation Bill.

“Scotland cannot afford to be left behind when it comes to this issue, especially as the Assembly in Northern Ireland and the Westminster parliament are in the process of introducing their own trafficking legislation.

“It is good news that the Scottish Government has got over its initial reluctance and committed to bring in this Bill.

“Millions of people suffer the plight of trafficking every year, so it is to be hoped that the proposed legislation will be robust, suitable and provide adequate support for victims of trafficking.”