European Convention on Human Trafficking should be signed now - Lynne

12.00.00am GMT Mon 15th Jan 2007

Responding to John Reid's statement in the House of Commons this afternoon, in which he stated that the European Convention on Human Trafficking "remains a priority for this government" and hopes to be able to sign it soon, Liz Lynne MEP, a long time campaigner against human trafficking said:

"Whilst I welcome this 'commitment' from the government to fight this abhorrent practice, I see no reason why Dr. Reid cannot sign it now. It is all very well stating that this remains a 'priority', but actions speak louder than words. This situation is wholly unacceptable, and needs immediate attention, not mere statements of commitment."

"The only way this atrocious practice will be stamped out is if we have a common and integrated approach across Europe that establishes minimum standards for the treatment of trafficking victims."

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Liz was author of a Policy Motion to Liberal Democrat Party Conference on Human Trafficking which is now Party Policy, and gives a clear message that the Party sees this issue as a grave and immediate concern.

Liz Lynne MEP was the shadow rapporteur for a European Parliament report on Human Trafficking and launched the campaign Business Travellers against Human Trafficking in the European Parliament. In the European Parliament, Liz has tabled a written declaration on the need to end the connection between business travellers and the trafficking of women and children into forced prostitution in October 2005, tabled oral questions in the European Parliament in November 2005 and January 2006 and tabled an oral question to the European Commission on the lack of pressure on member states to implement anti-trafficking legislation. Liz has also made speeches on the human trafficking situation in Cambodia, Asia and Guatemala.