The Petition of the people of Croydon,
Declares that human trafficking continues to blight our town.
The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to use their influence to maintain a dedicated anti-trafficking unit in the Metropolitan Police.
And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Mr Andrew Pelling, Official Report, 24 March 2010; Vol. 508, c. 348 .]
[P000783]
Observations from the Secretary of State for the Home Department:
The Government totally condemn the horrendous crime of trafficking people into, out of and within the United Kingdom and are committed to ensuring the UK is a hostile environment for those who seek to profit from this vile trade.
From 1 April 2010, responsibility for tackling human trafficking in London has rested with an expanded Clubs and Vice Unit which is supported by being part of the Specialist Crime Directorate (SCD) of the Metropolitan Police Service. This change will reduce duplication, improve leadership governance, accountability and clarity for partners and victims. The move to SCD will enable an increased focus on organised crime and enable better access and use of that Directorate’s assets in order to improve the response to human trafficking.