Jesse Jackson's comments welcome but more must be done to combat modern day slavery in Birmingham

10.58.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 28th Aug 2007

Liz Lynne, MEP for the West Midlands and member of the European Parliament's Subcommittee on Human Rights, today welcomed Jesse Jackson's call for greater recognition of Birmingham's role in the transatlantic trade slave, but warned that more must be done to combat modern day slavery.

Speaking in Brussels today Liz commented,

"Jesse Jackson's comments are an important reminder of the role that Birmingham played in the horrors of the mid Atlantic slave trade. However, we must remember that slavery still exists today, and it's on our doorstep."

"A recent investigation by Save the Children highlighted that 32 children and young people were trafficked in the Birmingham, Coventry and Solihull area in 2006 alone, for purposes including working in a cannabis factory, domestic servitude and sexual exploitation through prostitution."

"Whilst it is important to recognise our city's role in past crimes, it would be an injustice to all those who suffered then not to do more to combat this modern slave trade."

"As well as the improved local provision's for the victims of trafficking, the UK Government must effectively implement the European Convention against trafficking in human beings; the only way we will stamp out this evil trade is through a common and integrated approach across Europe that provides strong preventative measures and minimum standards for the treatment of victims"

ENDS.