We are deeply concerned that the Government is prioritising irregular migration issues at the expense of tackling human trafficking. The Government’s de- prioritisation of human trafficking is not reflective of the scale of the threat it poses or the gravity of the crimes involved. As was expressed by several stakeholders, human trafficking and modern slavery is not an immigration offence (an offence against the State), it is an exploitation offence (an offence against the individual).

We are deeply concerned that the Government is prioritising irregular migration issues at the expense of tackling human trafficking. The Government’s de- prioritisation of human trafficking is not reflective of the scale of the threat it poses or the gravity of the crimes involved. As was expressed by several stakeholders, human trafficking and modern slavery is not an immigration offence (an offence against the State), it is an exploitation offence (an offence against the individual). Type: conclusion | Number: 1 | Paragraph: 27 | Response status: not_accepted Government response: 15. As set out in the introduction, given the close links between modern slavery and migration, with around three-quarters of potential victims being subject to immigration controls from January to September 20222, it is right that the Home Office tackles both together. Our Ministers work together c