Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help (a) prevent and (b) disrupt modern slavery.

The DfT works collaboratively with delivery bodies to tackle modern slavery in supply chains. A DfT modern slavery working group has been in place since 2020, to help embed modern slavery commercial policies, including Cabinet Office Procurement Policy Notes and share best practice.

DfT has invited a number of suppliers to complete the Modern Slavery Assessment Tool (MSAT), including its strategic suppliers.  This seeks assurances from our suppliers on the policies and procedures they have in place to help protect their workforce.

The Commercial Function within DfT continues to raise awareness and build knowledge of modern slavery, through training opportunities and events.  The Group Commercial Director is the DfT Anti-Slavery Advocate and is committed to developing and promoting policies and programmes to address modern slavery in commercial activity.

DfT also continues to highlight the importance of this work with its suppliers, using events as a platform to remind suppliers of the government’s commitment to mitigate modern slavery in supply chains, examples of this are through supply chain management meetings and supplier engagement opportunities.