Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what measures the Maritime and Coastguard Agency has implemented to support victims of slavery found on vessels in British waters.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s (MCA’s) powers allow them to enforce merchant shipping legislation, which includes legislation on living and working conditions for seafarers and fishermen, on UK ships anywhere in the world and non-UK ships in UK waters. Where the MCA identifies conditions on board in respect of which these powers are not sufficient or appropriate, the Agency has processes in place to refer the case to the police or the National Crime Agency who investigate cases of organised Modern Day Slavery and labour abuse. In addition, the MCA would ensure that welfare organisations are made aware so that they can provide the appropriate practical and pastoral support.