Closing the Protection Gap, Anti-Slavery Day 2018

That the Parliament recognises Anti-Slavery Day on 18 October 2018; understands that human trafficking and modern slavery is happening in Scotland today, including in North East Scotland; is concerned at reports that victims, including children, can be left waiting up to three years for their immigration status to be resolved and be given leave to remain in the UK by the Home Office; believes that protection and support must be provided for all victims of human trafficking and modern slavery; condemns the UK Government’s policy of creating what it considers a hostile environment for those without a settled status, and notes calls for the Scottish Government to work with the Home Office to close the protection gap experienced by victims of trafficking and modern slavery that was identified by Helena Kennedy QC, Baroness Kennedy of The Shaws.