The treatment of 19 women suspected of being trafficked and rescued in a police raid in Birmingham, has raised serious concerns.

Those who were non-European Union citizens were held in a detention centre; none of them was referred to a specialist shelter, despite police suspecting they were trafficked.

On 4 October, the Home Office announced that six of the women would be removed the following day. Thanks to pressure from Anti-Slavery International and other activists, their removal was temporarily suspended.

Because the UK has no guaranteed protection for trafficked people, and has not signed the European Convention on Action Against Trafficking in Human Beings, the treatment of people suspected of being trafficked is uncertain. This exposes them to inappropriate treatment by the authorities and to re-trafficking. It is vital the Government signs the Convention to ensure protection for suspected trafficked people.