House of Lords Select Committee inquiry on the Modern Slavery Act 2015 (2024)
On 24 January 2024 an inquiry was launched to consider the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and its effectiveness in achieving its aims. A Select Committee was appointed to consider how the Act’s provisions have been implemented, how the Act has been impacted by recent political developments, and whether the Act is in need of improvement.
The ECP submitted written evidence showing how the Act has been primarily used to raid sex workers’ premises. Rather than ‘rescuing’ victims of trafficking, the legislation has actually been used to target sex workers – particularly migrants and women of colour – for arrest and deportation. It outlines how decriminalisation is the only way to keep sex workers safe from exploitation and harm.
The Modern Slavery Act 2015 published its report on 16 October 2024. The Committee ceased to exist upon publication.