Lib Dems say High Court ruling on trafficking victims shows govt must abolish ‘hostile environment’

Reacting to recent news that the High Court has ruled foreign trafficking victims should be granted leave to remain in the UK, the Liberal Democrats have said the government must eliminate the current ‘hostile environment’ for these groups.

The party’s home affairs spokesperson Alistair Carmichael MP said: “It shouldn’t have taken a court to tell the Home Office that victims of trafficking – some of the most vulnerable people in our country – should be protected. Instead of appealing this judgment, the Government should implement it in full, so that victims are supported when they come forward, helping to bring their slavers to justice.

“The Conservatives’ hostile environment is undermining the fight against modern slavery. Priti Patel must abolish it and put tackling these evil criminal gangs first.”

Prior to today’s ruling, foreign victims of trafficking could be deported back to their countries of origin.

Their asylum claims could also take years to be resolved, during which time they were not permitted to work or study.