Diane Abbott MP, Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary, speaking in response to comments from the independent anti-slavery commissioner, said:

“The criticisms of the National Crime Agency’s failure to tackle slavery are very serious.

“The claim that modern slavery offences are just lying dormant on the NCA database because these crimes are not taken seriously is deeply troubling. The NCA is accountable for its performance to the Home Secretary, so Amber Rudd has serious questions to answer.”