Ulster Unionist Justice Spokesperson, Tom Elliott MLA, has stated that the Ulster Unionist Party will support the passage of the Human Trafficking and Exploitation Bill at this stage, but has raised a number of concerns. 

Mr Elliott said: 

"We support the passage of the Bill at this stage because we support the broad principle, which is to tackle human trafficking. It is too important an issue not to allow further debate and interrogation of the arguments. 

“However, there are a number of concerns with the Bill: 

·         some clauses may actually duplicate current legislation and what is actually in law;

·         some clauses may be unnecessary;

·         we must ensure that there are no clauses that could prove detrimental to existing provisions;

·         there may be amendments that could be included to strengthen the Bill. 

“A report compiled by Barnardo`s and NSPCC concluded that Northern Ireland was being used by human traffickers as a gateway to both Britain and the Republic of Ireland. 

“This is even more concerning in light of the decision by Sinn Fein and SDLP to block the operation of the National Crime Agency in Northern Ireland. This is an agency which has been specifically established to offer expertise in tackling organised crime such as human trafficking. However, because of politicking from Sinn Fein and the SDLP, the PSNI will not be able to draw on that expertise, and human traffickers may well look at Northern Ireland as a good place to do business. 

“There has also been considerable debate over clause 6 which would have the effect of banning the act of paying for sex. There are strong arguments in support of and opposition to the clause, including opposition from the PSNI to this aspect of the Bill. We need to see strong evidence that criminalising the payment of prostitutes will impact on human trafficking. 

“We look forward to a detailed discussion that is evidence based on all these aspects of the Bill before bringing forward potential amendments and improve conditions for those who are victims of human trafficking and exploitation. I support the broad principle of Lord Morrow`s Bill which is to provide a more robust legal framework for tackling human trafficking."