Theresa May on Modern Slavery

Theresa May's core position is one of strong advocacy for the defeat of modern slavery, which she has described as the great human rights issue of our time. Her foundational work was instrumental in introducing the Modern Slavery Act 2015, the first legislation of its kind in Europe, which established tough penalties, enhanced victim support, and introduced world-leading transparency requirements for businesses regarding their supply chains. She continues to drive this agenda as Chair of the Global Commission on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking, which recently presented findings and recommendations to reinvigorate global leadership against the crime. She views the issue as an international business model that requires a comprehensive, global response, not just domestic enforcement.

Following her tenure as Prime Minister, she emphasizes the need to move beyond initial legislative steps, noting that the problem is worsening globally due to factors like climate change and conflict, increasing vulnerability. She advocates for building on the 2015 Act by shifting business responsibility from mere transparency to mandatory action, such as requiring human rights due diligence. Furthermore, she urges international cooperation among law enforcement, governments, and consumers to cut off the illegal profits derived from forced labour and to support those working in the field to secure justice for victims.