The Metropolitan Police’s efforts to combat human trafficking are under threat following the Mayor’s confirmation that funding has not been secured beyond 2009/10. The UK’s only specialised human trafficking unit was launched by the Metropolitan Police in 2007 with full funding from the Home Office. But this contribution has been cut back, covering only half the costs in 2009/10, and withdrawn completely in 2010/11. The future of the unit is now under threat as the Met considers whether it can continue without a contribution from government.
Jenny Jones commented
"It is extremely disappointing that the Home Office are cutting back their funding of this work. Human trafficking is an appalling crime which often devastates the lives of its victims. For it not to be policed because of a lack of resources is unacceptable."
"I understand that the original agreement was for government’s contribution to be reduced over time, but each side blaming the other is not getting us anywhere. I will help the Mayor in any way that I can to broker a long-term agreement so that this unit is kept."
ENDS
The Mayor confirmed the funding situation in an oral answer to a question put by Jenny Jones at Mayor’s Question Time on Wednesday the 17th of June.
The Mayor also gave the following written answer to a previous question, asked in May:
Question From Jenny Jones:
Does the Metropolitan Police Service have any plans to put additional resources into tackling the trafficking of women?
Answer by Boris Johnson
The Human Trafficking Team was launched in March 2007 with full funding from the Home Office. For 2009/10 the MPS has received 50% (£435,000) of the team’s costs as a final one off payment from the Home Office. In addition the MPS provides additional resource to tackle human trafficking through Operation Golf; tackling Bulgarian and Romanian child trafficking; Operation Paladin investigating child trafficking and exploitation at ports and the Clubs and Vice Unit which has also increased is work related to trafficking.
The MPS is currently reviewing the most efficient and effective future operational response to immigration crime and human trafficking to make best use of resources. Once this review is completed the MPS with the MPA will consider if additional resources are required.