The Bill builds on the work of the previous Labour Government who criminalised trafficking, introduced the offence of forced labour, slavery or servitude and created the UK Human Trafficking Centre.
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I participated in a House of Commons debate on the Bill this week and you can read my questions to Home Secretary Theresa May•here.
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Measures in the Bill will make it easier to prosecute those committing this vile crime and increases the penalties for those convicted. I also support the introduction of a new Slavery Commissioner, the new trafficking prevention orders and greater protections for victims.
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The Shadow Frontbench believe that the Bill could go further and will be tabling amendments during the Bill’s Committee Stage that will give greater support for victims; introduce full legal guardians for children; a separate offence of child exploitation; change the domestic workers’ visa; and include provisions around the supply chains of companies operating in the UK.
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Modern Slavery Bill shd amend UK Companies Act to require companies to report how they are addressing modern slavery in their supply chain
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– Mark Lazarowicz (@marklazarowicz)•July 8, 2014
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These developments represent an important opportunity but I want to see it amended to get further improvements and safeguards in place in order to stop people committing these terrible crimes. A Joint Committee of Lords and Commons•published its Reporton the Bill on 8 March 2014 calling for the Bill to be strengthened, with more protection for children, enhanced legal support and compensation for victims.
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