On this edition of ‘Talking Crime’, Danny Shaw speaks to Dame Sara Thornton, who’s the UK’s Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner.
As she approaches the end of her three-year term, Dame Sara discusses the progress that has been made – as well as her frustrations at the lengthy process for identifying and safeguarding victims and the low number of prosecutions for slavery offences.
She also explains why Government proposals in the Nationality and Borders Bill – ‘Clause 62’ – could hamper efforts to support modern slavery victims.
And, following a 33-year police career during which she became Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police and Chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, Dame Sara reflects on the current crisis of confidence and trust in policing – and discloses why she won’t be applying to succeed Dame Cressida Dick at the Met.
Dame Sara talks about delays...
Dame Sara talks about the impact of new measures..
Dame Sara..next met Chief ?
Timings for the full video (mins:secs)
13:00 Dame Sara says it takes far too long – on average, almost two years – for Home Office officials to decide if someone is a victim of modern slavery. She says the system, known as the National Referral Mechanism, should be removed from Home Office control – and placed in the hands of local safeguarding agencies.
24:45 Dame Sara says she is worried about the impact of proposed measures in the Border and Nationality Bill which would prevent some victims of modern slavery accessing support.
37.44 Dame Sara, former chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, revealed that after three years out of policing she would not be applying to be the next Met Commissioner but said the departure of Dame Cressida Dick would be keenly felt.