
The UK will introduce a maximum life sentence for the worst cases of human trafficking and exploitation. New government figures show the number of cases of human trafficking discovered in the UK has risen by 25% in the last year. Ministers are planning new legislation to simplify the law on slavery, and make it easier to bring prosecutions. Read more here.

The push against 'modern-day slavery' covers a multitude of sins, but there is a common thread. Often lured to the UK with the promise of free travel, a job and accommodation, and sometimes members of their own family, the victims are usually promised, in advance, a happy, comfortable and free life in Britain.
They arrive to discover misery, squalor and varying degrees of imprisonment.
The government's Modern Slavery Bill would contain new anti-trafficking measures. Trafficking prevention orders will ensure that someone released from a sentence for a human trafficking offence cannot simply go back to being a gangmaster. Restrictions will also be placed on the convicted individual's ability to own a company, visit certain places or work with children or young women.

But perhaps the biggest problem of all is that no-one really knows how big this problem is. How many captives are hidden in inner city squallor, unable physically or mentally to escape?
I hope the legislation will be instigated and that modern-day slaves can be freed. Surely it's time to be able to stop slavery ever happening again.