The Modern Slavery Bill had its second reading in Parliament last week.

This bill is the result of many thousands of voices calling for an end to slavery and trafficking in the UK. It is hugely encouraging that the government listened and that this vital piece of law is progressing.

Now more than ever, the UK needs to improve laws around slavery and human trafficking to make sure victims receive the support and care they need and that those responsible for these atrocious crimes are brought to justice.

The bill is a positive step in the right direction but improvements are needed to make sure we have the strong law we so desperately need in this country.

We're asking you to join the fight against slavery and trafficking by contacting your local MP or arranging to meet with them and asking them to support changes which will strengthen this bill.

We want to see an obligation on businesses to be transparent about their supply chains by introducing a requirement to publicly disclose measures being taken to eradicate modern slavery from supply chains and business practices. The bill currently doesn't include anything about businesses and this is a serious omission that parliament must rectify.

We want to see better protection and support for victims. This includes greater resources to properly identify victims, ensuring victims aren't prosecuted for crimes they have committed whilst under duress or the control of another and making the National Referral Mechanism, which is the government body responsible for identifying and supporting victims, independent.

And finally we want the Anti-Slavery Commissioner to have more independence and a stronger remit.

Please email your local MP asking them to support a stronger Modern Slavery Bill or to arrange to meet with them.

You can find out the latest news and information about modern slavery, and more information about the new bill on our modern slavery page.

Read the Modern Slavery Bill