Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment he has made of the efficacy of existing civil torts in enabling victims of human trafficking to claim damages from their traffickers.

Modern slavery is an appalling crime that has no place in today’s society. It is an affront not just to the dignity and humanity of the people crushed by it but to every one of us.

That's why the Government has introduced a Modern Slavery Bill, the first of its kind in Europe.

But we are clear that legislation is only part of the answer. We have also launched the Modern Slavery Strategy setting out co-ordinated action across government departments, agencies and law enforcement in the UK and internationally to tackle slavery.

We believe that the remedies available to victims of trafficking under the civil law of tort are adequate and effective. In addition to damages to compensate the victim for the harm he or she has suffered, the law also allows for aggravated or exemplary damages to be awarded depending on the circumstances of the case. We are confident that the courts will award such damages wherever it is appropriate to do so.

Figures in relation to the number of civil claims brought by victims of trafficking and damages awarded are not available.