ConDems obstruct anti-human trafficking action

Whilst acknowledging Peter Black's insistence that “I write what I feel like writing and when I have something to say”, it is nonetheless remarkable how many things seem to get left off his blog while he focuses on non-events, e.g. the lacklustre Labour leadership contest.

One astonishing omission is the claim that Cameron & Clegg are sending out the "wrong signal" across the world after their ConDem government refused to endorse an EU directive designed to co-ordinate European efforts to combat the trade in sex slaves.

According to yesterday’s Guardian, new figures show that fewer traffickers are being jailed than at any time in the last five years. Campaigners are calling on ministers to adopt the directive which includes a common definition of the crime of trafficking, thus making it easier to convict offenders in the EU's 27 member states.

Back in 2008, Black wrote an uncompromising post backing Nick Clegg in his previous role as Lib Dem Home Affairs spokesman. The issue was immigration and the need for balanced & effective controls. Among the 12 points listed in Clegg’s comprehensive agenda was “full ratification of the Council of Europe convention on people trafficking”.

It seems an entirely logical step to sign up to the EU directive as well. What could be the problem and why aren’t Welsh Lib Dems taking up the issue? We should be told – as someone used to be quite fond of saying.


Update:

Sky News quotes a Home Office spokeswoman as stating that the government's decision could be reversed if it is "in Britain's interests".

"Human trafficking is a brutal form of organised crime and combating it is a key priority for the Government," she said.

"The UK already complies with most of what is required by the draft EU directive. The government will review the UK's position once the directive has been agreed, and will continue to work constructively with European partners on matters of mutual interest.

"By not opting in now but reviewing our position when the directive is agreed, we can choose to benefit from being part of a directive that is helpful, but avoid being bound by measures that are against our interests," she added.

At least 2,600 women have been trafficked into England and Wales according to the Association of Chief Police Officers.