Theresa May’s warm words about modern slavery ring hollow - Abbott

Diane Abbott MP, Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary, responding to Theresa May’s speech on modern slavery, said:

“Theresa May’s warm words about modern slavery ring hollow. 

“A strong coordinated response is needed, but on her watch the Tory government has cut budgets, Border Force staff and axed 21,000 police officers. They are the frontline in the fight against modern slavery.

“Instead of supporting the victims of modern slavery the Home Office regularly detains trafficked women in centres like Yarl’s Wood, causing vulnerable women so much pain.

 “In government, Labour will close down Yarl’s Wood and Brook House detention centres. We will commit the millions  saved to fund services that support survivors of modern slavery trafficking and domestic violence. We will add hundreds of new border guards and ten thousand new police officers to tackle the scourge of modern slavery head-on.”