A group to tackle the growing problem of modern slavery and human trafficking in the UK has vowed to put a stop to it.

That is the messagge MPs, Hertfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Police and the Shiva Foundation will deliver at the Strengthening Partnership Working to Fight Modern Slavery.

The seminar is taking place at the Houses of Commons on Monday, October 15 - Anti-Slavery Day.

The event invites MPs, statutory agencies and local organisations to learn about and engage with their local modern slavery partnerships while highlighting the partnership work taking place in Hertfordshire to address this crime.

In 2017, over 5,000 people were referred to British authorities as potential victims of slavery, including 2,000 children.

The Hertfordshire Modern Slavery Partnership (HMSP) has been working over the last year to coordinate work to tackle these crimes, raise awareness of modern slavery and bring offenders to justice and support victims.

Among other activities, the partnership has developed training, coordinated multi-agency operations, and is developing a victim pathway so public sector professionals can refer potential victims to the correct channels of support.

Minister for Crime, Safeguarding and Vulnerability, Victoria Atkins said:

“It is horrendous that victims of modern slavery have their freedom and fundamental human rights denied, but I am encouraged to see the commitment being made by the Hertfordshire Modern Slavery Partnership to tackling the issue.

“This Government is absolutely determined to do all we can tackle this crime and help potential victims and so far this year, nearly 900 police investigations to disrupt offenders have taken place, compared with 188 in 2016.”

Hertsmere MP Oliver Dowden said: “Modern slavery is a despicable crime that exploits some of the most vulnerable in our society.

"Tackling it is a major priority for the Government and the Prime Minister personally.

“I support all the good work of the Hertfordshire Modern Slavery Partnership and commend their strong partnership work to date to raise awareness of modern slavery in Hertfordshire.”

Sue Darker, chairman of the partnership’s steering group, said: “I am very proud of the strong partnerships that we have created in Hertfordshire over the last two years. Through the partnership more than 500 local authority, NHS and law enforcement workers in Hertfordshire have been trained on how to spot the signs of human trafficking and modern slavery.

“All agencies have worked tirelessly to educate and train not only their staff, but also the general public via awareness media campaigns and bespoke training sessions.

“The work we have done so far has undoubtedly increased the number of potential victims identified and made Hertfordshire a harder place for criminals to exploit people.”

Anyone with concerns about modern slavery or human trafficking should call police via 101 or the national Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700.

In an emergency call 999.

The Beacon hotline 03000 11 55 55 is open from Monday to Friday 8am-8pm and Saturday 9am to 5pm or visit the website www.hertfordshirebeacon.org for information and advice to access support.