FOI - Human trafficking, modern slavery and sexual exploitation [Apr 2021]

You requested:

1. Who are the main contacts for the London Assembly / Mayor of London regarding 
Human Trafficking / Sexual Exploitation, who are tackling these issues and working 
with the police?

2. What is the London Assembly / Mayor of London stance/ policy on Modern 
Slavery / Human Trafficking / Sexual Exploitation, and what actions are being taken 
to stop this crime and bring freedom to those trapped?

3. What are the most recent statistics or report relating to Human Trafficking / Sexual 
Exploitation for London?

4. What is the London Assembly / Mayor of London doing to bring awareness to 
Londers in these areas, as there are so many businesses and people who are 
unaware, do not know the signs nor know how to report it?

5. Does the London Assembly / Mayor of London work with any training providers 
providing training in these areas, and if so, which ones?
 
Our response is below:

1. Within City Hall, the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) leads on these issues and liaison with the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS). I suggest you approach MOPAC about the other issues you would like to discuss in future. You can reach MOPAC at Contact MOPAC

You also asked about the London Assembly, whose role is to scrutinise the work of the Mayor and investigate issues that affect the capital. The Police and Crime Committee would be the contact for the Assembly (the Committee has previously looked at modern slavery, human trafficking and sexual exploitation). The Committee does not hold data and would rely on data from the Metropolitan Police, MOPAC (and any relevant internal/external sources depending on what the Committee is focussing on/investigating in relation to these areas). You can find more information and contact details at Police and Crime Committee

2. The Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime is best placed to answer any detailed questions, but you can read about their work on Modern Slavery and sexual exploitation on their web pages. At the end of this letter I have included some more information about the GLA’s work, unrelated to policing.

MOPAC - Our Priorities

London Modern Slavery Partnership

3. We have considered your request under the FOI Act. The Greater London Authority does not hold the statistics you have requested. However, MOPAC data and statistics are routinely published.

MOPAC may hold additional relevant information so you may wish to send a request to 
[email protected]. Although the GLA and MOPAC are closely linked, they are separate Public Authorities for the purposes of The Freedom of Information Act 2000, as per schedule 1of the Act. 

The Metropolitan Police service may also hold data. You can check their statistics and search for previously released information at

Metropolitan Police - Accessing information

4-5. The GLA takes very seriously its responsibility to ensure we play our part in tackling the increasing prevalence worldwide of exploitative practices that constitute modern slavery, such as forced labour or human trafficking. Under the 2015 Modern Slavery Act (MSA) we prepare and publish a statement detailing what steps we and our subsidiary companies have taken to be aware of these issues and ensure supply chains do not include such practices that undermine the human rights of our global citizens. 

Our procurement function is delivered by Transport for London under a shared service and 
therefore much of the specific content of the statement relates to activity they lead on our 
behalf. 

The GLA Group has adopted a Responsible Procurement Policy and a Group Implementation Plan. In addition to any TfL led training, GLA staff involved in procurement are asked to complete e-learning on Responsible Procurement (which covers ethical sourcing and modern slavery as one of the six themes of the Responsible Procurement Policy).

We have also developed the Good Work Standard (GWS) which sets out a range of activities and actions that organisations in London should be doing as a good employer. The GLA has done a self-assessment against the standard as part of our Leading by Example ambitions. The GWS includes offering guidance or training for staff on how to spot the signs of modern slavery and what to do.

If you have any further questions relating to this matter, please contact me, quoting the 
reference MGLA150321-8303.