People Trafficking

Debate between Lord Rogan and Baroness Stowell of Beeston

Thursday 2nd February 2012 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Stowell of Beeston]

My Lords—

[Lord Rogan]

My Lords, the clock started at two minutes.

[Baroness Stowell of Beeston]

I am so sorry. I apologise to the noble Lord.

[Lord Rogan]

Can I start again at two minutes? While tackling this supply may require greater resourcing for the UK Border Agency and the police forces throughout the kingdom, tackling demand is a more difficult issue. It strikes me that we need to do more to drive home the message that those who are abusing trafficked people, particularly in the sex trade, need to be aware that they are complicit in an offence which is akin to slavery. They should face severe consequences for their actions but unfortunately, for too many, this is currently a crime without fear of consequences. That needs to end.

For instance, customers who pay for sex with those who have been trafficked—people who are clearly under duress or false pretences—should face the prospect of being charged with rape. As the law stands, successful convictions would be difficult to secure but it would certainly help put out a clear message that society will not turn a blind eye to this problem. The same moral imperative which lay before Parliament to eradicate slavery in the 19th century lies before this generation: to do all that it can to eradicate human trafficking in this world.