The Modern Slavery Act 2015 has played a key role in transforming the UK's response to modern slavery on a national and international level. The Act provides police and law enforcement agencies with the necessary powers to bring perpetrators to justice and enhances protections given to victims. The Act has resulted in a significant uplift in law enforcement activity against the criminals behind this abhorrent crime.
This country is a world leader in the fight against modern slavery. However, criminal networks are constantly evolving to find new ways to exploit and control victims. I was alarmed by recent Home Office research which highlighted the devastating economic and social costs of modern slavery. It is estimated that modern slavery costs the UK up to £4.3 billion a year and each modern slavery crime is second only to homicide in terms of harm to its victims and society.
That is why the Modern Slavery Act must be as effective as possible. I was pleased to see the Government commissioned an independent review of the Modern Slavery Act, led by Frank Field, Baroness Butler-Sloss, and Maria Miller MP, to ensure our legislative framework continues to be truly world-leading as the forms of modern slavery and nature of exploitation faced by vulnerable people evolve over time.
I welcome the fact that the Modern Slavery (Victim Support) Bill provides an opportunity for Members of Parliament to engage with the issue of support for victims of modern slavery and I know the Bill has already generated significant discussion and debate.
However, I do agree with the Government's position that the consideration of whether an individual is a victim of modern slavery and any decisions as to their immigration status are and must remain separate. Therefore, I do not agree that victims should be automatically granted leave to remain for 12 months.