Written question asked by Andrew Rosindell (Conservative) on Wednesday, 13 September 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 18 September 2023. It was answered by Andrew Mitchell (Conservative) on Friday, 22 September 2023 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Commonwealth: Slavery

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has a strategy for tackling modern-day slavery in Commonwealth countries; and whether he has had discussions with representatives of the Commonwealth Secretariat on tackling modern-day slavery.

Answer: The UK Government continues to drive efforts to eradicate all forms of modern slavery in line with UN Sustainable Development Goal 8.7 by 2030. We work closely with international partners including the UN, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and the Commonwealth. FCDO officials regularly meet with Commonwealth Secretariat representatives and other Commonwealth partners to discuss a range of issues including modern slavery. The UK is supporting a project with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK to improve awareness and knowledge of modern slavery in supply chains amongst Commonwealth parliamentarians and parliamentary officials across Africa. I have frequent discussions with the Commonwealth Secretary-General on matters of mutual interest.

Secondary information