15th August 2006 updated 24th August 2006

 
Greens write to Mr Blair about concerns when Olympics come to Britain

Chief Constable Dr Tim Brain speaking at a recent police conference held at the University of Gloucestershire, has warned that human trafficking was prevalent in Cheltenham and elsewhere in other towns all over the county.

Cllr. Martin Whiteside, the Parliamentary spokesperson for Stroud District Green party said: "A recent Green party Coffee House Discussion in Stroud looked at trafficking - the third largest illegal activity globally - as there is still too little public awareness and action to tackle this horrendous trade in human beings (i). We welcome Gloucestershires' Chief Constable Tim Brains' actions to combat the crime and raise awareness on this issue."

Martin Whiteside, who is District Councillor for Thrupp said: "International trafficking of human beings where victims are bought and sold like commodities and suffer unimaginable violence and sexual assault is a growing problem. Over 500,000 women and children are believed to be victims of trafficking in Europe - in Britain, one of the more popular destinations, it is now the most lucrative illegal trade. It is appalling to know that this is going on in Gloucestershire."


Greens write to Blair re Olympics

Martin Whiteside said: "The growth of trafficking in Germany prior to the World Cup gives us cause for concern over the London Olympics. We have written to Blair urging that  preparations must begin now."

Martin Whiteside added: "The Green party raised this issue over 6 years ago and we welcome that much is being done - but much more is needed - the Government still seems reluctant to sign up to key international instruments that would help end this trade (ii). We need more urgency, more awareness, and more action including more support to victims. This is a form of slavery and we should be ashamed we are letting it happen here in the UK."

Update: 24th August 2006

Coincidently this issue we raised saw light in the Guardian:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/olympics2012/story/0,,1857079,00.html

Notes:

(i) April Coffee House Discussion:
http://www.glosgreenparty.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1241&Itemid=2

(ii) http://www.cre.gov.uk/default.aspx.locid-0hgnew0dc.htm

(iii) Green MEPs and Jenny Jones at the London Assembly have taken action on this issue with a report first being written in 2000.  See:
http://www.greenparty.org.uk/index.php?nav=news&n=60&b=16
And policy on trafficking:
http://policy.greenparty.org.uk/mfss/migrat.html