Human Trafficking Bill passes final stage

The Scottish Parliament has given its final approval to the Human Trafficking and Exploitation Bill.

A Government bill promoted following a member's bill proposal by Jenny Marra MSP, the bill was approved without a vote yesterday following its stage 3 debate.

While MSPs agreed a number of stage 3 amendments, including some to strengthen the protections for children, they again rejected an attempt, supported by the Law Society of Scotland, to introduce a statutory defence for victims over and above the guidance the Lord Advocate will come under a duty to issue as to when cases should be prosecuted.

The bill strengthens the criminal law by introducing a new single human trafficking offence to tackle those responsible for exploitation, as well as guaranteeing rights to access support and assistance to adult victims of trafficking, similar to those already in place for child victims.

It strengthens protections for eligible vulnerable children by providing for independent child trafficking guardians and requiring statutory referrals, and requires Scottish ministers to work with other bodies to publish and keep under review a Scottish Trafficking and Exploitation Strategy.

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said after the debate: “Scotland’s law enforcement agencies now have greater tools in their armoury to bring those responsible for human trafficking and exploitation to justice. Previously, criminal law against trafficking and exploitation was spread across different legislation but our new law will provide consistency and give our police and prosecutors a clearer set of guidelines around how to track down and prosecute criminals.

“We know, however, that legislation alone will not help to identify potential victims. That’s why, alongside these new laws, we’re also developing a Trafficking and Exploitation Strategy and building on the work already undertaken to increase public awareness, training for frontline staff and engagement with businesses to help spot the signs of potential trafficking and exploitation.

“Ultimately, our collective efforts are sending a strong signal that Scotland is a hostile place for those who seek to peddle human misery. We simply will not tolerate the trafficking and exploitation of vulnerable adults and children in this country.”