More must be done to tackle Modern Slavery - A survivor's story

A survivor of modern slavery shared her story as part of our investigation.

*warning: contains upsetting content*

The challenge London faces with modern slavery and human trafficking is unique and considerably greater than in any other region of the UK.

The Home Office’s 2018 Annual Report on modern slavery shows that of the 5,143 people referred to the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) in 2017, more than 30 per cent of cases were in London alone – almost three times that of any other region or country in the UK.
Data from the Met shows that in 2013, 187 referrals for modern slavery and human trafficking were made in London. By 2018 that figure rose to 2,346 – a 1,155 per cent increase over five years.

The London Assembly Police & Crime Committee wrote to the Mayor today with recommendations on what he can do to tackle modern slavery in the capital.

The letter makes a number of recommendations, including:
The Mayor should task the London Modern Slavery Partnership Board with developing a coherent strategy for modern slavery, specific to London, to give it clarity of purpose and help drive forward partnership work.