Laws making it harder for slavery victims to gain support come into force as government avoids scrutiny

Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner post left vacant after watchdog vocally opposed changes that ‘harm genuine trafficking victims’

The measures target small boat migrants but critics say there is no evidence of widespread abuse of modern slavery victims (Gareth Fuller/PA) (PA Wire)

New laws making it more difficult for victims of slavery and human trafficking to gain support have come into force as the government continues to avoid official scrutiny.

There has been no modern slavery watchdog in post since last April, and no recruitment has taken place since Suella Braverman scrapped a previous appointment process over a month ago.

The former Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner had vocally opposed measures that came into effect on Monday, warning that the “plans will make the identification of victims of modern slavery harder and create additional vulnerabilities”.