CARE welcomes "encouraging" vote to add trafficking victim protections to Nationality and Borders Bill

Press Release | 9 March 2022

CARE has expressed ‘delight’ at an amendment to the Nationality and Borders Bill ensuring support for trafficking victims being passed.

Last night, an amendment by Conservative Peer Lord McColl was backed in the Lords by a margin of 207 votes to 123. The Peer had previously urged colleagues to row in behind the change, saying it "ought not to be a matter of controversy".

It adds a clause to the bill guaranteeing 12 months of statutory support for all confirmed victims of modern slavery in England and Wales, and ensures temporary immigration leave for victims so they can access this support.

Following third reading next week, the Nationality and Borders Bill will return to the House of Commons where Lords amendments will be voted on.

Lauren Agnew, trafficking policy expert at CARE, commented:

“We are delighted that this amendment won the support of Peers last night after months of campaigning by CARE and other groups in the anti-trafficking sector.

"This encouraging step demonstrates strong feeling within the House that a clause guaranteeing victim support should be included in the Bill.

"This approach is integral to ensuring victim recovery and safety and the pursuit of justice against perpetrators.

"The ball is now in the Government’s court. We trust Ministers will not try to undo the good work of Peers on this provision, which is strongly supported by expert groups."

ENDS

CARE is a Christian charity providing resources and helping to bring Christian insight and experience to matters of public policy and practical caring initiatives. For more information or to arrange an interview, contact Jamie Gillies: jamie.gillies@care.org.uk

About Lauren Agnew

Lauren Agnew is a Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation Policy Officer at CARE. Ms Agnew has been involved with anti-trafficking work for the last 7 years. Before joining CARE, she spent time with International Justice Mission in the United States and has also been involved with the IJM Romania Field Office.

CARE’s work on human trafficking

CARE worked closely with politicians on the following legislation:

Modern Slavery Act 2015
Human Trafficking and Exploitation Act (Northern Ireland) 2015
Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Scotland) Act 2015