Question to the Ministry of Justice:
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether it is the Government's policy to provide legal aid to enable victims of modern slavery and trafficking to bring compensation claims against their traffickers.
There is specific legal aid provision for victims of modern slavery and human trafficking for immigration advice and representation, and in relation to damages and employment claims arising from their treatment, subject to means and merits.
The Ministry of Justice and Legal Aid Agency are carrying out a review of existing arrangements for providing legal aid for advice and assistance (known as Legal Help) in respect of Trafficking and Modern Slavery Compensation Claims (TMSCCs).
The review will involve research into :
(a) Potential numbers of individuals entitled and eligible to seek Legal Help in relation to TMSCC and their geographical location.
(b) Ability, preparedness and willingness of legal aid providers to carry out this work, and any factors which may limit this.
The review will be completed in due course.