Two years ago a well-known MP told me that the Centre for Social Justice was wasting our time chasing political action against slavery, because it wasn’t a ‘doorstep issue’. I’m rather glad I didn’t take that advice because, as Theresa May has said, our 2013 report It Happens Here sparked the vital changes we will hear from the Queen today.
Later this morning Elizabeth II will open Parliament for the 61st time. Labour claims she’ll have nothing much to say, with Shadow ministers attacking an impending ‘zombie parliament’.
This is unfair. Especially because nestled in Her Majesty’s speech will be a landmark Modern Slavery Bill. The publication of that Bill, surprisingly undersold by the Coalition, will be an exciting and symbolic moment for our country.
There’ll be much to welcome within in. An independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner will be created to hold ministers to account and measures will be introduced to confront the criminals who enslave adults and children, including increasing maximum sentences to life imprisonment.
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