South East MEP calls on UK Government to opt-in to EU's anti-trafficking directive

To mark the UK's first Anti-Slavery Day on Monday, Lib Dem MEP Sharon Bowles, who represents South East England at the European Parliament, called on the UK Government to opt-in to the EU's anti-trafficking directive.

Anti-Slavery Day aims to raise awareness of the thousands of people trafficked into the UK every year to work in the sex trade, or as domestic servants, and the children brought here and forced to work on cannabis farms or beg on the streets.

Sharon said: "'Slavery' is not a word synonymous with modern British society. Indeed, slavery was abolished over one hundred and fifty years ago. However, slavery still exists and it is on our doorstep."

"I recently attended the Soroptimist International Conference on Human Trafficking and was horrified at reports that there are over 400 brothels operating in the South East, many of which employ foreign sex workers who have been trafficked into the country via mainland Europe, some against their will."

"The EU's draft anti-trafficking directive sets a common standard for the prosecution of traffickers and offers greater protection for victims. Sadly, the UK has decided to opt-out of signing this directive on the grounds that it offers no benefits to Britain."

"Given that today is the UK's first Anti-Slavery Day, voted for by MPs earlier this year, I hope the government reviews its position."