Clause 58 - Trafficking into the UK for sexual exploitation
Sexual Offences Bill [Lords]
2:30 pm
Ms Annette Brooke (Mid Dorset and North Poole, Liberal Democrat)
I thank the Under-Secretary for his letter detailing the humanitarian aid that is already available. On Second Reading, several hon. Members spoke about the need for a six-month period of reflection. Evidence shows that, in countries in which that is available, there are more effective prosecutions. I understand that giving people a temporary residence permit might be outside asylum channels, and that the Government might well be nervous about that. However, such nervousness has to be balanced against the need to crack down on this terrible crime.
I had the privilege of visiting Moldova with UNICEF. I went to a refuge where returnees were being looked after for a few weeks. It was incredibly distressing to see some of the ladies and their great needs right across the board, including their need for medical and mental care. It was horrendous to see the state in which the women had been returned. As with any problem, we have a duty to tackle it from all ends. As the demand comes from our country, we have a big responsibility to play our part in tackling the crime. We can play our full role by permitting such ladies to stay longer, so that they are not tempted straight back into the profession or driven underground by the threats that are undoubtedly made, and so that there can be effective prosecutions.
I was told in Moldova that it was more helpful, in terms of giving support, if trafficked ladies were repatriated, as opposed to deported. The charities made that point strongly, and I now place that point on the record. Obviously, repatriation at least gives people a chance to go into the sort of refuge that I visited. Sadly, although the refuge was carrying out some tremendous work, it could do so only for a few weeks. When I was there, the children and adults were kept together, but that will be remedied.
I was told that it was quite likely that 90 per cent. of those returnee women would go back into the cycle again. We have a responsibility, given our relatively affluent position, to some sender countries to see what we can do to break the cycle. I have a further request that we consider a six-month period of reflection.