David Miliband attacks coalition over human trafficking

By Mark Ferguson / @markfergusonuk

David Miliband has today criticised the government for opting out of the EU directive against human trafficking and the sex trade, accusing the Tories of “putting Tory animosity towards the EU above the safety of people who are trafficked into prostitution”.

Speaking this afternoon, David said:

“You simply cannot combat trafficking in human beings, and the sex trade operating within the European Union, without cooperation at an EU level. Co-operation cannot be haphazard, and cannot be just sometimes, which is why this directive is so important.”

“The flows of human trafficking within the EU area show this form of modern slavery has moved on, and so too must the EU’s directive in dealing with it.”

“This new directive will make it easier for member states to catch and prosecute sex traffickers. It will make criminal proceedings easier for victims across the EU, and it will improve prevention and monitoring.”

“Refusing to opt-in is putting Tory animosity towards the EU above the safety of people who are trafficked into prostitution.”

“It also raises questions over the influence of the Liberal Democrats in the Foreign Office.”

“On the back of the scrapping of the Annual Report on Human Rights, they are now party to running away from these crucial measures to fight the sex trade. This is despite their manifesto commitment to keep Britain involved in ‘international crime-fighting measures’. This coalition does not extend to foreign policy.”