Oral Answers to Questions

Rehman Chishti Excerpts

Tuesday 13th May 2014 Commons Chamber

[Karl MᶜCartney (Lincoln) (Con)]

5. What steps the Crown Prosecution Service is taking to increase the number of prosecutions for human trafficking.

[Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) (Con)]

7. What steps the Crown Prosecution Service is taking to increase the number of prosecutions for human trafficking.

[The Solicitor-General (Oliver Heald)]

The Crown Prosecution Service is supporting victims, strengthening investigations, raising awareness among front-line professionals, and improving data collection. The data for 2013-14 show an increase in the number of defendants prosecuted. The CPS is actively involved in the development of provisions in the Government’s draft Modern Slavery Bill.

--- Later in debate ---

[The Solicitor-General]

Yes, I entirely agree. A focus on supporting victims, stronger prosecutions and better data collection is key. In December, the Director of Public Prosecutions held a meeting with voluntary bodies and others, and he has produced an action plan that is very much focused on supporting victims.

[Rehman Chishti]

What steps are being taken to improve international co-operation to increase prosecutions for human trafficking?

[The Solicitor-General]

My hon. Friend has raised this issue before, and it is very important. The new National Crime Agency has a focus on organised crime gangs at a regional, national and international level. The Crown Prosecution Service has officials in other countries working to strengthen capacity and ensure that prosecutions are properly evidenced. Joint investigation teams are an important feature. On 9 April at the Vatican, the Home Secretary set up the Santa Marta group, which is a group of senior enforcement officers from across Europe and the world. This was highly praised by Cardinal Parolin of the Vatican and by the United Nations.