Olympic Games 2012: Human Trafficking

Hugh Robertson Excerpts

Tuesday 11th January 2011 Ministerial Corrections

[Fiona Mactaggart]

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what organisations he has consulted to assist him to assess the risks of people trafficking associated with the London 2012 Olympics; and whether he plans to take specific steps to reduce that risk.

[Official Report, 20 December 2010, Vol. 520, c. 1056-57W.]

Letter of correction from Mr Hugh Robertson:

An error has been identified in the written answer given to the hon. Member for Slough (Fiona Mactaggart) on 20 December 2010. The reference to the Olympic Intelligence Centre (OIC) being within the Metropolitan police was incorrect.

The full answer given was as follows:

[Hugh Robertson]

Regular threat briefings take place between the Secretary of State, the Minister for Sport and the Olympics and the Olympic Intelligence Centre, a dedicated body within the Metropolitan Police that gathers information from the security services and regional police forces about potential threats to the games. As part of this the Department have been informed that we are not currently seeing any evidence of an increase in human trafficking related to the London 2012 games.

However, we remain vigilant and will be continuously reviewing the threat of human trafficking. The Government are determined to deter traffickers from exploiting London 2012 and we are building on the considerable expertise the UK has in tackling this issue. Should the intelligence indicate an increase in trafficking we shall ensure that the appropriate measures are in place.

The correct answer should have been:

[Hugh Robertson]

Regular threat briefings take place between the Secretary of State, the Minister for Sport and the Olympics and the Olympic Intelligence Centre, a body which provides strategic intelligence assessments of all threats and hazards to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. It is staffed by representatives from across the UK intelligence and law enforcement community. As part of this the Department have been informed that we are not currently seeing any evidence of an increase in human trafficking related to the London 2012 games.