Crucial new anti-slavery powers come into force
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By James Mildred
Key parts of the UK Government’s landmark modern slavery legislation come into force across England and Wales today, meaning offenders will face much tougher sentences when caught.
The Modern Slavery Act, given Royal Assent by the Queen in March this year, is the first dedicated piece of anti-slavery legislation across England and Wales for nearly 200 years.
Under the Act, the maximum custodial sentence for offenders rises from 14 years to life imprisonment.
Reparation orders also come into force to encourage courts to seize assets from perpetrators to help compensate victims.
Victims are also afforded stronger protection from prosecution for crimes committed when trapped in slavery and will now have access to civil legal aid.
Leading Christian charity CARE campaigned heavily for anti-slavery legislation for a number of years and the charity’s spokesman has welcomed today as a significant moment in the fight against modern slavery.
CARE spokesman James Mildred sai...
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