Yvette Cooper MP, Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary, responding to the Home Office announcement that action on slavery in supply chains will be included in the Modern Slavery Bill, said:

“At long last the Government has recognised that more should be done on international business supply chains to stop slavery. We have been calling for stronger action from the start and we will look at the detailed proposals to make sure they go far enough. Reports of people being forced to work for no money, beaten and threatened with violence in the supply chain of products destined for UK shop shelves have shocked us all, and action is needed to protect human rights and promote ethical business.

“Ministers also need to listen to calls for other reforms to the Modern Slavery Bill including stronger measures to protect trafficked children and outlaw exploitation.”