The British Government said it would produce legislation against human
trafficking for sexual and labour exploitation 'as soon as possible', and
introduce prison sentences for sex trafficking this year.

In its White Paper Secure Borders, Safe Haven, issued in February, the
Government proposes making trafficking for sexual exploitation an offence
under the Immigration Bill in 2002, with a maximum penalty of 14 years in
prison. This would bring the punishment for human trafficking in line with
that for drug trafficking.

Currently in the UK, there is no domestic legislation prohibiting human
trafficking even though it has been a problem for at least a decade.
Traffickers are tried under the Sex Offenders Act, 1956, which fails to
consider the victim's severe treatment and imposes shorter sentences than
for some drug offences

The White Paper is a welcome step forward, but it is vital detailed
anti-trafficking legislation is made a priority for the Queen's Speech in
November, when the agenda for next year's legislation is announced.

Anti-Slavery believes any anti-trafficking law must protect and support the
victim. In particular, we are pressing the Government to fund a specialised
agency to provide accommodation, accessible information, medical,
psychological and legal assistance, and the ability for them to contact
their family at home.

Victims of trafficking should also be allowed to stay in the UK so they can
receive assistance and make an informed decision about co-operating with
authorities in a prosecution.

If those who are sent home are likely to be attacked or even killed by
traffickers, the person should be granted unconditional exceptional or
indefinite leave to remain in the UK on humanitarian grounds.