News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

modern-slavery-july-2-main_article_image.jpg
Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire
UK News

Govt needs to make ending slavery a priority, says Christian human rights group

by Eno Adeogun

David Westlake, chief executive of International Justice Mission made the plea following the omission of a reading for a proposed bill on protecting victims of modern day slavery on Friday in parliament.

The Modern Slavery (Victim Support) bill has been introduced by Lord McColl in the House of Lords and also sponsored by Iain Duncan Smith MP.

 

Westlake said the bill would give victims time to resolve complex immigration or refugees cases before facing deportation.

Explaining why MPs weren't able to debate the details of the bill, Westlake explained to Premier: "It's not a government bill at the moment - it relies on a very small amount of parliamentary time.

"Today the bill is number 15 on the list of backbench bills to be considered so it's not going to get read today."

The government has already committed £200 million of UK aid funding to tackle modern slavery but many say this bill needs to be passed as soon as possible.

More than 50 MPs, Lords and clergy signed a letter in The Times which called for the government to "lend it's full support to the bill before it runs out of time".

Westlake added: "What this bill actually does is increase the level of support for someone.

"It doesn't let them stay indefinitely; it doesn't kind of say that 'this is an easy way in for beating immigration' but it says 'you can stay here while we sort things out, while we help you back on your feet' and that's really important."

Listen to David Westlake, chief executive of International Justice Mission speaking with Premier's Eno Adeogun: 

Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily newsletter and receive more stories like this straight to your inbox every morning.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate