Oral Answers to Questions

Karl McCartney Excerpts

Tuesday 13th May 2014 Commons Chamber

[Jack Lopresti (Filton and Bradley Stoke) (Con)]

1. What steps the Crown Prosecution Service is taking to increase the number of prosecutions for human trafficking.

[Karl MᶜCartney (Lincoln) (Con)]

5. What steps the Crown Prosecution Service is taking to increase the number of prosecutions for human trafficking.

[Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) (Con)]

7. What steps the Crown Prosecution Service is taking to increase the number of prosecutions for human trafficking.

--- Later in debate ---

[The Solicitor-General]

Yes, I very much agree. The forthcoming Bill will play a vital role in tackling the abhorrent practices of human trafficking and modern slavery. It will strengthen the law and protect and support victims. I am a member of the inter-ministerial group, and my officials and the CPS have been closely involved in developing these measures under the leadership of the Home Secretary, who is widely admired for her stance on this issue.

[Karl MᶜCartney]

Does my hon. and learned Friend agree that an important part of the process of increasing the number of prosecutions for human trafficking is to ensure that there is sufficient support for victims of this terrible crime? What further support is the CPS providing to victims in this regard?

[The Solicitor-General]

Yes, I entirely agree. A focus on supporting victims, stronger prosecutions and better data collection is key. In December, the Director of Public Prosecutions held a meeting with voluntary bodies and others, and he has produced an action plan that is very much focused on supporting victims.