Modern slavery and immigration: why the detail matter

Debate around immigration and modern slavery often generates more heat than light. As Parliament considers the Immigration and Asylum Bill, it is important to review how its modern slavery provisions will shape how victims are identified, protected and supported, and how effectively traffickers can be brought to justice.  That discussion must be grounded in evidence and an understanding of how the UK's victim identification and support system operates.

The Bill contains a number of significant reforms. Some are welcome, including increased support for child victims through Independent Child Trafficking Guardians and measures to strengthen Slavery and Trafficking Prevention Orders. Others raise important questions about how victims of modern slavery will be identified, supported and protected.

Survivors of modern slavery often disclose their experiences only when they feel safe enough to do so. Recovery from exploitation is rarely straightforward, and the realities of trauma do not always sit neatly alongside legislative processes. As Parliament scrutinises the Bill, it is vital that these realities remain central to the debate.

The Bill also presents an opportunity to strengthen the UK's response to forced labour in global supply chains. While proposals to improve transparency are welcome, there is an opportunity to go further and ensure businesses take meaningful action to identify and prevent exploitation.

To support informed discussion, the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner has published a briefing examining the Bill's modern slavery provisions. It sets out the evidence behind the proposals, explains how the current system operates, highlights measures that are welcomed, and identifies areas where further reform is needed.

Read the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner's full briefing on the Immigration and Asylum Bill: here