PRESS RELEASE: Victims of human trafficking across England and Wales are in danger of missing out on the rights currently enjoyed by those in Northern Ireland, according to leading anti-trafficking charity CARE.

The Modern Slavery Bill report stage will take place in the House of Lords today, with a range of amendments under discussion including one tabled by Lord McColl of Dulwich that seeks to ensure victim support is made a statutory requirement.

Latest Government amendments, tabled last week would see enabling powers for the Home Secretary to create regulations for victim support, but this is not the same as actually placing a duty on the Secretary of State to provide support for victims in British law.

CARE has campaigned for victim support to be guaranteed in law because this will increase the confidence of victims who escape the trafficking cycle and provide a solid foundation for consistent, high quality support across the country.

Victims of trafficking in Northern Ireland are entitled to 45 days victim support in law, with the Northern Ireland Department of Health granted autonomy to decide if that period should be extended, while in Scotland, the Human Trafficking and Exploitation Bill also includes a clause making victim support part of the law.

CARE CEO Nola Leach said:

“CARE welcomes the Bill which is a major forward in the fight against Modern Slavery, not least the creation of an independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, a role we have previously campaigned for.

"If the Government are determined for Britain to become a world leader in fighting modern day slavery, sweeping changes are needed however to avoid a two tiered system emerging, where victims in England and Wales are sold short by a Bill that does not provide proper support.

“Trafficked victims have suffered vile and horrible abuse and deserve cast-iron guarantees in law that they will be provided with high quality care, not least because this will increase their confidence in coming forward.

“In light of recent developments in other parts of the United Kingdom, surely England and Wales cannot to afford to be left behind when it comes to looking after trafficked victims.

“We would urge Peers to lend their backing to Lord McColl’s amendment which seeks to ensure victims receive guarantees through law of much needed support.”

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For interview requests or for further information please contact CARE’s media officer James Mildred on 0207 227 4731 / james.mildred@care.org.uk