Make modern day slavery a priority, says
Assembly
A motion urging the Mayor to pursue his crusade against modern
day slavery in London was unanimously
agreed today by the London Assembly.
The joint efforts of the Mayor, Metropolitan Police Service,
Government, the charity sector and the media to combat the
practice were welcomed by the Assembly, but Members believe more
needs to be done, because of the complexity of most cases and the
public lack sympathy for the victims.
OBE AM, who
proposed the motion said:
“I am pleased that today City Hall has recognised that
tackling modern slavery needs to be a priority. Modern slavery
devastates the lives of its victims and this motion sends a clear
message that it should have no place in our city.
The Mayor’s decision to appoint a modern slavery ambassador
in every borough is welcome. I will keep up the pressure to
ensure that combatting this cruel practice remains a central part
of the Mayor’s agenda, particularly when it comes to his work
with London’s business community.”
The full text of the motion is:
“This Assembly notes with concern that modern day slavery
persists in London. Modern day slavery is a crime that is both
hidden and in plain sight. It can happen behind closed doors in
private homes, in car washes, nail bars or in the supply chains
of the goods and services we buy and use. While the details of
this crime are diverse and complex, one common feature remains;
the devastating impact on its
victims.
We commend the work of the Mayor, Metropolitan Police
Service, Government, the charity sector and the media to help
combat modern day slavery and support victims of this barbaric
crime. We welcome the Mayor’s pledge for a modern-day slavery
ambassador for every London borough and urge him to ensure that
this is pursued without exception.
Alongside this, we call on the Mayor to ensure that tackling
modern day slavery is a priority for his work with London’s
business community through the Good Work Standard.”
Notes to editors:
-
Police forces failing to
tackle modern slavery in UK, report shows
-
Watch the full
webcast.
- The motion was unanimously agreed
