Cardinal Nichols welcomes Modern Slavery Act

Home Secretary Theresa May

Cardinal Vincent Nichol has welcomed the Modern Slavery Act which received Royal Assent yesterday.

The Modern Slavery Act 2015 is the first of its kind in Europe, and one of the first in the world, to specifically address slavery and trafficking in the 21st The Modern Slavery Act 2015 will ensure victims receive the protection and support they deserve by:

Creating a statutory defence for victims of modern slavery so that they are not inappropriately criminalised; Giving the courts new powers to order perpetrators of slavery and trafficking to pay Reparation Orders to their victims; Providing for child advocates to support child victims of trafficking; Extending special measures so that all victims of modern slavery can be supported through the criminal justice process. Providing statutory guidance on victim identification and victim services, including an enabling power to put the relevant processes on a statutory basis; and introducing protections for victims of abuse on an overseas domestic workers visa.

The Act also establishes the UK's first-ever Independent Anti-slavery Commissioner to drive forward the law enforcement response and hold them to account at all levels, ensuring that the perpetrators are caught and prosecuted and that the victims are swiftly identified so they can get help.

Home Secretary Theresa May said: "The presence of modern slavery in today's society is an affront to the dignity and humanity of every one of us. The Modern Slavery Act 2015 is an historic milestone.

"This landmark legislation sends the strongest possible signal to criminals that if you are involved in this vile trade you will be arrested, you will be prosecuted and you will be locked up. And it says to victims, you are not alone - we are here to help you.

"I want to pay tribute to the campaigners, organisations, and Parliamentarians of all parties for their hard work and determination to shine a light on this hidden crime and for helping to shape this law.

"Our work is far from over, and everyone in all sectors of society must play their part. But we as a nation can be proud that today we are closer to consigning slavery to the history books where it belongs"

. Cardinal Nichols said: "I welcome the Modern Slavery Act 2015 as the Bill receives Royal Assent today. While no Act can cover everything in the serious criminal activity of human trafficking and modern slavery, which abuses vulnerable people, the enhanced support and protection for victims is particularly to be welcomed.

"Along with many others, the Catholic Church through the Bakhita Initiative and the Santa Marta Group where police chiefs and the Church work together internationally is committed to working towards the eradication of modern slavery.

As Pope Francis said at the launch of the Santa Marta Group last year in the Vatican, the crime of trafficking and modern slavery is a crime against humanity; a wound on the body of Christ.

"I echo the Home Secretary's words today when she describes the presence of modern slavery in today's society as an affront to the dignity and humanity of every one of us. It is also important to recognise the vital role of Theresa May in ensuring the passage of this legislation. I pay tribute to her personal commitment to rid our society of this scourge and the support she has given to all those who seek to combat the traffickers and to care for the victims of trafficking."