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| Version 2 | Version 3 |
|---|---|
| MSPs approve human trafficking law | MSPs approve human trafficking law |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| MSPs have unanimously approved new legislation designed to tackle human trafficking in Scotland. | MSPs have unanimously approved new legislation designed to tackle human trafficking in Scotland. |
| The Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Scotland) Bill establishes human trafficking as a specific offence. | The Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Scotland) Bill establishes human trafficking as a specific offence. |
| It also increases the punishment for offenders to a maximum life sentence and ensures more support for victims. | It also increases the punishment for offenders to a maximum life sentence and ensures more support for victims. |
| Justice Secretary Michael Matheson told the Scottish Parliament that it should be "very proud" of passing the legislation. | Justice Secretary Michael Matheson told the Scottish Parliament that it should be "very proud" of passing the legislation. |
| He said it would demonstrate to those who want to "peddle in the misery of human trafficking" that they are not welcome in Scotland. | He said it would demonstrate to those who want to "peddle in the misery of human trafficking" that they are not welcome in Scotland. |
| The bill also: | |
| Police Scotland Deputy Chief Constable Iain Livingstone welcomed the new legislation, which he said would help to more effectively tackle the "despicable crime". | |
| He added: "Trafficking is unacceptable. We will target those who trade in human beings and we will work with partners to ensure victims have the support they need. | |
| "This new law sends a clear signal to those who choose to exploit and enslave others, that we are committed to ending this horrific crime and that we will pursue those responsible to bring them to justice." |