THE three Cumbrian police, fire and crime commissioner (PFCC) candidates have all pledged to tackle modern slavery if they are elected on Thursday.
This comes after fifty-six civil society organisations called on the candidates to commit to fighting this crime, echoing a recommendation in the cross-party Home Affairs Select Committee report that “all Police and Crime Commissioners should actively consider setting modern slavery and human trafficking as a priority in their police and crime plans.”
Seventy five PCC and Metro Mayoral candidates across the country pledged their support.
"I have seen first-hand on too many occasions how modern slavery, people trafficking and the criminality that surrounds it destroys lives and families,” said David Allen, the Labour candidate.
“It is, in my opinion, a disgusting stain on any civilised society. It has to be recognised, targeted and tackled at source and in the UK and its victims cared for.”
Modern slavery refers to various forms of exploitation and abuse of adults as well as children, including forced labour, sexual exploitation, domestic servitude and criminal exploitation– all of which have been identified throughout the UK.
Liberal Democrat candidate Adrian Waite called for improved prosecution and conviction rates.
"A belief in liberty is at the core of Liberal Democrat values and of my values,” said Mr Waite.
“Modern slavery is an affront to human liberty, and no one should ever be enslaved.
“We must bring an end to modern slavery and people trafficking, stop exploitation of vulnerable people and bring those responsible for modern slavery and people trafficking to justice.
“We must improve prosecution and conviction rates. We must also provide support and protection to the victims.”
READ NEXT: Everything you need to know about the upcoming PFCC election
Home Office data reveals that Cumbria Constabulary handled 49 referrals concerning potential victims of modern slavery, including 21 children, in the year leading up to June.
This represents a rise from 26 referrals in the previous year.
Across the UK, more than 17,700 potential victims of modern slavery were referred to the Home Office in 2022-23 – a significant jump from 14,600 the year before.
Conservative Mike Johnson said, “I can confirm that I pledge to tackle modern slavery if I'm elected as the PFCC in Cumbria.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here