HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Early day motion 1058, tabled 11 February 2013 by Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick (Social Democratic and Labour Party). Signed by 44 members.

That this House recognises that human trafficking represents a form of modern-day slavery and that many victims are held under conditions of enforced or bonded servitude whilst being exploited for their labour; urges the Government fully to implement the Council of Europe's Convention on Human Trafficking, including appointing an independent rapporteur or ombudsperson and to work closely with other EU member states to adopt an effective regime to combat this appalling practice; notes that, as well as sustaining the criminal economy, human trafficking infiltrates the mainstream economy and the high street; further recognises that many innocent consumers buy products and use services that have been in some way produced or sustained by human trafficking or modern-day slavery; and calls on the Government to introduce a framework for UK companies to audit their supply chain in order to eradicate any trace of human trafficking or modern-day slavery from their goods and services.

Signatures by party: Labour 19, Liberal Democrat 9, DUP 5, Conservative 3, Social Democratic and Labour Party 3, Alliance 1, Green 1, Independent 1, Plaid Cymru 1, Respect 1.