Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to tackle human trafficking in the Medway towns.

We do not collect information about specific activity in specific towns. However this Government is determined to stamp out modern slavery, including human trafficking, in all its forms and wherever it occurs. The landmark Modern Slavery Bill will give law enforcement agencies the tools they need to tackle modern slavery, ensure that perpetrators can receive suitably severe sentences for these appalling crimes, and enhance support and protection for victims. The modern slavery strategy, published on 29 November 2014, sets out our comprehensive programme of activity, including actions that we expect from Government departments, agencies and national and international partners.

To drive improvements in our operational response to modern slavery across the UK, Kevin Hyland OBE has been appointed as ‘designate’ Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner. His role will ensure that more perpetrators are caught and brought to justice and more victims are effectively identified and supported.