As well as representing local constituents in Parliament and my current role as Chair of the Procedure Committee, I have continued to work on many issues that I was involved with when I was a Minister in the Home Office.
As co-chair of the APPG for Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery and a member of the Parliamentary Intelligence Security Forum (PI-SF) Human Trafficking Taskforce, I was invited to address the PI-SF meeting in Washington DC before Christmas. This was the first Forum to include a panel session on Human Trafficking and being able to share the experiences we have in the UK of this crime and how we address it was incredibly valuable. It also gave me an opportunity to learn what is happening in other Parliaments and the challenges faced.
I am continuing to work with the PI-SF and was pleased to have a call last week with a Canadian MP who is the Co-chair of the APPG to End Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking in the Canadian Parliament.
Another important issue that I worked on when in the Home Office is Domestic Abuse. Domestic abuse is a horrific crime, and we must do everything we can to help victims recover and rebuild their lives. Combined with the Government’s landmark Domestic Abuse Act, we are helping victims escape their abusers and making sure that perpetrators feel the full force of the law.
I was therefore pleased that the Government is providing £125 million to councils across England to make sure that safe accommodation spaces, such as refuges and shelters, can provide victims with vital support services including healthcare, social workers and benefits.
Staffordshire Moorlands District Council will receive £31,323 to provide vital support services for domestic abuse victims, helping victims recover and rebuild their lives.
