Mayor of London: "Modern Slavery is taking place across our country

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has warned modern slavery is taking place across the UK.

Speaking during a visit to the International Slavery Museum in Liverpool, the London Mayor, who was re-elected in May, warned people needed to know the signs of a hidden, but common problem.

There were more than 5000 cases of modern slavery recorded by Police in England and Wales up to March 2019, a 51% increase on the year before.

In some cases, people are forced to work in poor and unsafe conditions for little or no pay, they can be forced to commit crimes, like begging or shoplifting, or be sexually exploited. Some even have their organs harvested.

It happens to men, women and children, many who've arrived in the country, but also British-born members of society, targeted by criminals.

Modern Day slaves

The Mayor said: "The reality is there is modern slavery taking place across our country now, whether it's workers from other countries, brought here under false pretences, whether its the garments we buy, made by children or other across the world in awful conditions.

"We've seen it on London and other big cities in relation to the sex trade."

A way out of modern slavery

The Mayor urged people to speak out if they knew anyone who could be being exploited by criminal gangs or individuals: "There is a phoneline open 24 hours a day, seven days a week if someone knows someone who is the victim of modern slavery, or if they're a victim themselves.

"We mustn't assume slavery is assigned to the history books.

"We know if can take place in regard to "domestic help", car washes, the sex trade, there's a whole host of sectors it can take place in.

"If you think somebody may be a slave, call the police. Don't think you're crying wolf. There is help available."

The International Slavery Museum

Speaking about the work of the International Slavery Museum, The Mayor of London said: "It's been incredibly impressive for be visiting the Museum, having a sober, cool, calm analysis of not just the history of slavery, but the legacy in 2021."

The Museum sits just yards from the Docks where ships used in the slave trade. 1.5m people were moved from Africa to the Caribbean and North America as part of British trade agreements, eventually bringing back goods like cotton and tobacco.

It also focuses on modern day slavery, practice banned by the 1948 Declaration of Human Rights

Helpline

The Modern Slavery Helpline can be reached on 08000 121 700 and find out more about modern slavery here