Your report (19 April) of Katya's terrible experience of being trafficked illustrates the crucial importance of UK participation in the new EU anti-trafficking directive, something that Liberal Democrats have strongly campaigned for. I'm glad to say that the government has recently announced its intention to opt in, and this is now just subject to Westminster parliamentary scrutiny. MEPs made a major contribution to securing reform, such that the new EU directive, alongside the Council of Europe's trafficking convention, significantly strengthens the protection of trafficked people.
The new law ensures that they are treated as victims of crime, not as illegal immigrants. They must be properly assessed and provided with safe accommodation, benefits and healthcare. There are also requirements about a breathing space for recovery and, if appropriate, witness protection in criminal proceedings. Child victims of trafficking must be given a guardian to look after them. These changes should go a long way to resolving past problems. It is better to use public money for investment in victim support than for payment of compensation for official incompetence and mistreatment. The other purpose of the new European law is to strengthen police co-operation and align offences and penalties so as to enhance the prospects of putting behind bars the disgusting criminals who run this modern-day slave trade.
Liberal Democrat, London