Harris demands action on modern-day slavery as well as regret for actions past

3.04.35pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 27th Nov 2006

As Tony Blair today expresses "deep sorrow" that the slave trade ever happened Dr Evan Harris MP, Lib Dem Member of the Joint Select Committee on Human Rights (JCHR) calls for action to end the appalling practice of modern slavery where human beings - mainly women and children - are trafficked for sexual and labour exploitation.

Dr Harris, who instigated the recent JCHR inquiry into Human Trafficking, said:

"Human trafficking is a huge modern-day problem, particularly the trafficking of women in the sex trade."

The Council of Europe has drawn up a Convention against Human Trafficking which the UK is yet to sign, despite being urged to do so by MPs of all parties and the JCHR.

"This convention will offer protections which will aid the conviction of traffickers and the rehabilitation of victims of today's slave trade, those who suffer torture and multiple rape, but the UK has yet to sign"

Dr Harris pressed Tony Blair at Prime Minister's Questions in July on why the Government is not signing the convention when thirty other Council of Europe Countries have. The Prime minister admitted that concern about a "pull factor" attracting illegal immigrants was the reason the UK had not signed up.

"I am pleased that the Prime Minister said he will reflect again on the matter, but in the absence of any evidence of abuse elsewhere and when the benefits are so clear, it is vital that we fall into line and do more to stamp out this evil practise and help the thousands of victims."

"Surely a further strong expression of Tony Blair's "deep sorrow" over the slave trade would be to take positive action to stamp out modern-day slavery by signing and ratifying this Convention."