Greece plans Turkey border fence to tackle migration

CEOP report reveals hundreds of children at risk as police fail to track and prosecute traffickers

The Independent 2nd January 2011

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December 2010

China issues surrender deadline for human traffickers

Brutal 'Fagin' running Paris pickpocketing gang is arrested

Israeli connection in Kosovo organ trafficking ring

Asylum seekers die in shipwreck off Australia

Arrests for human trafficking, fraud and money laundering in Kent And Sussex

EU adopts new law against human trafficking

Migrant support centre opens in Bristol

Fair trade helps farmers fight effects of climate change

Feargal Keane talks to former Haiti child slave

Petition to tell Olympic catering companies to source Fairtrade

Slavery in supply chains: what companies can do

iPhone app helps in the fight against slave labour?

The Forgotten - Homeless in Southall

Workers risk lives for Christmas trees

Many of the Christmas trees sold in the UK are grown from seeds harvested in the mountains of Georgia, near the Russian border. The workers are paid very little and risk their lives climbing trees without safety equipment.

However a Danish firm has started to work on fair trade principles, paying the workers above the market rate and reinvesting a proportion the profits back into the communities. Georgia is desperately poor – maybe the pine cone trade could be an example of how an industry can be turned round to bring money back into the country.
BBC Radio 4 'Crossing Continents' 6th December 2010

First trafficking convictions in Oxford

The university city of Oxford has seen its first convictions for sex-trafficking. Two men face prison sentences for trafficking women from Eastern Europe to become prostitutes in the city. However, one of the men is on the run.

Trafficking can happen anywhere – not just in the bigger cities.  Find out about what to look for on our Signs page. If you suspect trafficking may be happening near you, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
Oxford Mail 6th December 2010

EU widens human trafficking net

The EU definition of human trafficking is to be widened to include "instigating, aiding, abetting or attempting" to commit the offence. The changes to the directive, including increases in jail sentences for trafficking, are expected to be adopted by the European Council and European Parliament shortly. The UK and Denmark remain the only two EU countries not to have opted in to the directive.

Unchosen say: Human trafficking is a worldwide problem which cannot be tackled by countries acting alone. We therefore urge everyone who has not already done so to sign the petition calling on the UK government to opt in to the EU directive.
BBC News 3rd December 2010

UN Special Rapporteur visits London

Gulnara Shahinian, the UN Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Slavery spoke at the House of Lords on domestic servitude across the world and in the UK. The meeting was chaired by Baroness Young of Hornsey and introduced by Aidan McQuade, Director of Anti-Slavery International. Ms Shahinian spoke on the many types and causes of slavery in domestic service. A copy of her report can be viewed here.

Anti-Slavery International’s ‘Home Alone’ campaign calls on the UK government to end domestic slavery in the UK. You can write to the Business Secretary here. 

Unchosen would like to thank Anti-Slavery for the opportunity to attend this meeting. 2nd December 2010

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November 2010

Fake goods linked to trafficking

Crimestoppers have launched a campaign warning Christmas shoppers against buying counterfeit goods. The sale of fake goods, such as DVDs, cigarettes and clothes, as well as costing the UK economy billions of pounds each year, is often used to finance serious organized crime such as human trafficking, prostitution, drug-smuggling and contract killing. Those selling counterfeit goods are often controlled by human trafficking and drug-smuggling gangs.
BBC News 15th Nov

Early Day Motion to opt-in to EU Directive

Anti-Slavery International are urging people to write to their MPs to ask them to sign Early Day Motion (EDM) 779. The EDM calls on the UK government to opt-in to the EU Directive aimed at preventing human trafficking across Europe.
The government claims that they already have  adequate measures in place to combat human trafficking. However we at Unchosen agree with Anti-Slavery International that a cross-border crime cannot be tackled by countries in isolation and that a Europe-wide effort is required. A sample letter to send to your MP and a link to more information about the Directive can be found here.

'Snakehead' gangs targeted by UK and Chinese police

Police in the UK and China have agreed to work more closely to crack-down on so-called 'snakehead' gangs. The gangs are involved in trafficking 1,300 people into the UK from China every year. The agreement came as a result of the Prime Minister’s visit to China. Chinese nationals make up half of the total number of victims of human trafficking in the UK.
Sky News 11th Nov

Fair trade key to sustainable cocoa supply

Cocoa farmers in West Africa may start to abandon their crops if they fail to make enough profit to maintain production. The market is controlled by multinationals and the minimal rewards received by the farmers do not provide enough incentive to replant trees to ensure a sustainable supply. Also the younger generation are heading for the cities in search of better paid jobs.
In contrast, fair trade initiatives pay a better price to the farmers which encourages sustainability and also gives the next generation of farmers the incentive to stay in the industry.
Article in The Independent 8th Nov

Guardianship for child victims in Scotland

The Scottish Separated Children's Guardianship Project has given support to at least seven trafficked children among a group of 13 unaccompanied child asylum seekers. One child had been trafficked for the sex trade and others made to work in cannabis factories, wash cars, work in domestic servitude and claim benefits in benefit scams. The guardianship project is being run by the Scottish Refugee Council and the Aberlour Child Care Trust and provides one-to-one care for the children who have come from various African countries and also Vietman.
Article in The Scotsman 4th Nov

Action Aid continues ASDA campaign

Action Aid are continuing their campaign to call on ASDA to pay a living wage to garment workers in Bangladesh who produce the chain’s fashion range. In the latest phase of the campaign, the charity asked their supporters to phone the ASDA Chief Executive Andy Clarke. As a result of the campaign, he has now agreed to meet the Action Aid’s Executive Director Richard Miller.
Action Aid Campaign Blog 1st November 2010

Hilton agrees to code of conduct

Hilton Worldwide has agreed to a code of conduct for preventing child trafficking in its hotels. This follows reports of the discovery of a brothel in a Hilton hotel in China earlier in the year.

The hotel chain has been in discussion with ECPAT USA. The code of conduct requires hotels to establish an ethical policy on commercial sexual exploitation, to train their staff to recognize signs of trafficking and ensure that their suppliers are not involved in child exploitation.

Onlines campaigning organisations such as avaaz.org (as reported in Unchosen news earlier this month) and change.org have sent petitions to the chain urging them to sign the code of conduct. So far, no other major hotel chains have signed.
Article in Washington Business Journal 1st November 2010

October 2010

Women trafficked for ‘sham’ marriages

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of trafficking two Latvian women into the Republic of Ireland. The women were lured from their native country with the promise of jobs. However on arrival in Dublin, they were told that they must marry two Asian men who would then be able to get Latvian passports which would entitle them to work or live anywhere in the EU.

The women refused to go along with the plan and were then locked in a flat in Dublin. They raised the alarm by texting friends back in Latvia and were eventually freed when the flat was raided by police.

It is thought that the men are part of a trafficking ring and that one of them has organized other scam marriages for payment in the Republic.
Article in Irish Times 26th October 2010

Haiti children still at risk of trafficking

According to a Canadian children’s charity, trafficking of children from Haiti to the Dominican Republic has increased massively since the earthquake in January. In 2009, 950 children were thought to have been trafficked across the border – so far this year there have been over 7000.

There has been criticism of border controls not being effective. However when child traffickers are intercepted by border controls, they may abandon the children to fend for themselves on the streets or in the bush. There are also cases of trafficking within Haiti, where young girls who have no other means of survival are pushed into prostitution.
Natural disasters such as the Haiti earthquake and Pakistan floods this year are one of the risk factors for human trafficking. Families are dispersed, leaving women and children more susceptible to exploitation.
Full report 26th October 2010

Children forced to work as onion-pickers near Worcester

Seven Romanian children between the ages of 9 and 15 were found working in fields near Worcester, picking spring-onions in near-freezing conditions.  The children were discovered by the Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA) and are the youngest children found working in fields in the UK. A small pair of Wellington boots found in the field suggested that children as young as five, may have been working there. Most of the children were with their parents but two appeared to be on their own. Six have been taken into care.

There has been a lot of publicity and discussion about this case in the national news and on radio programmes such as BBC Radio 4’s Women’s Hour. It was first brought to the attention of Unchosen by Paul Whitehouse of the GLA when he spoke at the opening film night in Bath.

Many leading figures are joining the campaign to persuade the UK government to opt-in to the EU Directive on human trafficking. If you have not already signed the petition you can do so here at www.38degrees.org.uk
 Article in The Independent on Sunday 24th October 2010

Petition to stop sex-trafficking in hotels

Avaaz.org, an online movement which campaigns on global issues, is calling on the Hilton hotel chain to take action against sex-trafficking. The petition asks the hotels to train their staff to recognize and report trafficking victims, educate their guests about sex-trafficking and work to stop child sex-trafficking.
Sign the petition here

Four arrested for domestic servitude trafficking

Two men and two women have been arrested in the London area on suspicion of trafficking a 37-year-old victim who was forced to work for nothing in a ‘threatening and abusive environment’. The victim has been taken into the care of a charity.
Article in the Harrow Times 20th October 2010

New website launched to mark UK Anti-Slavery Day

Anti-slavery International has launched a new website to make people aware which products they buy may be produced by child labour or forced labour. The website was launched for to mark the first UK Anti-Slavery Day, coinciding with European Anti-Trafficking Day.
www.productsofslavery.org 18th October 2010

Five charged for sex-trafficking in Norfolk

Police raiding properties in Great Yarmouth have arrested five people for trafficking for sexual exploitation, prostitution and related crimes. Three men and a women were remanded in custody and another man bailed.
BBC News 15th October 2010

103 children found in trafficking raid

103 Romanian children aged three to 17 have been taken into protection after police raided properties in East London. The children are thought to have been brought into the country and forced into begging, shoplifting and pick-pocketing.

The raids were part of Operation Golf, which has logged 1600 offences by 168 Romanian children since 2006. Their families are told that they can earn money if they send their children abroad. The gangs then loan them money at very high interest rates that can take many years to pay off, making entire families into debt slaves.
Article in London Evening Standard 12th October 2010

October 18th is Anti-Trafficking Day

Monday 18th October is European Anti-Trafficking Day, initiated by the European Commission in 2007.
Events marking the day include:
(UN)VEILED Art Exhibition from 12noon to 7.30pm in the Colston Hall Main Foyer (also on Tuesday 19th), organized by Unchosen in partnership with (UN)VEILED and Love 146 as part of the Bristol Film Season.
unseen(uk)  - an evening of art and conversation in conjunction with a range of artists in the Upstairs Bar of the Tobacco Factory Theatre from 7.30pm–10pm.
Blue Blindfold (Ireland)  is hosting its first anti-trafficking film festival in Dublin from 1-4pm and 7-10pm.

Commonwealth Games sees rise in child trafficking

The number of child trafficking cases in Delhi has risen significantly in the months leading up to the Games. Over 121 girls have been rescued from traffickers from railway stations in the past two months. 70 percent of trafficking-related calls to Childline Delhi recorded in the last year were in the last 3 months.
Most children are brought in through fraudulent domestic work agencies and then sold for sex in rented properties in well-off areas of the city
Article in The Tribune (India) 9th October

Slave labour in high street fashion

The three million “garment girls” of Bangladesh produce clothes for many western companies but many are working for well below the minimum wage. Unchosen say we can all make a difference by buying fairly-traded goods.
Article in The Herald (Scotland) 3rd October

Big business must clean up its act on human rights

The respected human rights campaigner, Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland, demanded that big business should ‘clean up its act’. She said that large companies need to become part of the solution, rather than part of the cause of human rights abuses. Mrs Robinson was speaking at the International Conference of National Human Rights Institutions at the Scottish Parliament which was addressing issues such as child labour, human trafficking, environmental degradation and the impact of privatization.
Article in The Herald (Scotland)  3rd October

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September 2010

Slavery conditions on fishing trawlers

An investigation of trawlers fishing illegally off the coast of West Africa has uncovered evidence of forced labour and appalling working and living conditions. Crews were made to work in temperatures exceeding 40 degrees C with no ventilation and often little access to clean drinking water. The men had been confined on board the ships for months or even years.
The ships carried EU numbers, indicating that they have been licensed to provide fish for the European market.
Article in The Guardian 30th September

Commonwealth Games use child labour

Evidence has emerged that children as young as 7 are being used in the construction of Commonwealth Games venues. Harvard fellow and trafficking expert Siddharth Kara has observed the children over a period of time and has concluded that they are definitely being put to work, not just playing alongside their parents. The children and their families are working in harsh conditions and living in make-shift camps with no sanitation.
As with all major sporting events, there is also concern of an increase in sex-trafficking.
Video clip from CNN 24th September 2010

Make NI ‘hostile place’ for traffickers

Members of the Northern Ireland Assembly have voted in favour of making Northern Ireland a ‘hostile place for human traffickers’.  It is known as a transit route between the rest of the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
There has yet to be a prosecution for trafficking in Northern Ireland, although 35 people have been rescued from exploitation in the last 2 years..
BBC News (Northern Ireland) 21st September 2010

Rock band release trafficking video

The rock band Muse have released a video highlighting different aspects of human trafficking – forced child labour, domestic servitude and the sex trade. The video was first shown at the band’s Wembley Stadium concerts in London and went on general release on 17th September.
View the video here 17th September 2010

‘Benefit fraud’ trafficking

Cases of a new form of exploitation has emerged in Scotland, for the purposes of benefit fraud, where the victim is brought into the country on the promise of a better life and made to sign on for benefits, only to have the money taken off them.
The overall numbers of trafficking victims that the police deal with is expected to rise in Scotland, due to increased awareness. The Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency is seeing an increase in all types of trafficking, mainly for the sex trade but also for domestic servitude and other forced labour.
Article in The Herald 15th September 2010

Stepping up the fight

Unchosen attended a conference 'Stepping up the Fight' hosted by the Legatum Institute in London with experts from across the world; new initiatives, policies and best practices to counter the demand for millions trafficked every year. With both the 2012 London Olympics and the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow approaching, the United Kingdom’s prevention and response to trafficking over the next two years will be one to watch.
An excellent conference which we hope will bring about ACTION and working partnerships, which is what Unchosen strives for.
Conference summary 15th September 2010

Man arrested for trafficking to be deported

Three men have been arrested on suspicion of trafficking  men to work in harsh conditions against their will in hotels in Northamptonshire. Two of the men have been released on bail and the third is to be deported to India.
Article in Evening Telegraph 15th September 2010

Gang jailed for ‘selling’ young girls  in London hotels

Four members  of an Iranian gang have been jailed for trafficking  and prositution of young girls, one of whom was only 14. The girls were offered to wealthy Middle Eastern businessmen staying in luxury hotels in London for up to £150,000 each.
Article in The Guardian 14th September 2010

‘Invisible children’ brought to UK

A report by BBC Newsnight claims that children  are brought into the UK under 'informal fostering arrangements' unknown to local authorities, often by adults to whom they are not related. They are often abused & forced to work against their will.
The programme told the story of Tunde, who was brought in to the country at the age of 5 to live with an ‘aunt’. He was physically abused and forced to perform chores. The local authority, Haringey, did not suspect that he was being privately fostered.
BBC Newsnight report 'Invisible children' 14th September 2010

Anti-trafficking co-ordinator for Wales

A new post of anti-trafficking co-ordinator is to be created in Wales. It will involve raising awareness, uncovering the extent of the problem and bringing more traffickers to justice.
BBC News (Wales) 9th September 2010

Unchosen announces new patron

Chantelle Tagoe has become a patron of Unchosen. Chantelle has accepted this position following a visit to a Children’s Home in Baphumelele, South Africa, a deeply emotional experience and upon her return has continued to work to help the charity. She now wants to raise the awareness of the problem of trafficking in human beings both in South Africa, the United Kingdom and elsewhere.

Chantelle says:
“I am delighted to have been invited to be a patron for Unchosen, a commendable charity delivering invaluable work. I first became aware of the extent of human trafficking in the UK after Emile and I watched a heart breaking documentary about it. It's hard to believe that in our society human trafficking is so prevalent, it happens all around us and goes unnoticed. There are lots of individuals in utter despair trapped in the underworld of Human Trafficking who without intervention will be forced to remain in these awful, desperate and inhumane situations.”

The other patrons of Unchosen are film director Ken Loach and song-writer/composer Paul Field. Film director Nick Broomfield is Honorary President.
6th September 2010

15 Trafficking victims rescued in Belfast brothel raids

Twelve women and three men who were thought to be victims of human trafficking have been rescued in Belfast, following a series of raids across the UK. Four people were arrested – one woman and two men face charges of trafficking and another woman charged for controlling prostitution.
There have so far been no successful prosecutions for trafficking in Northern Ireland, as reported in Unchosen news on 18th May 2010.
BBC News (Northern Ireland) 6th September 2010

UK government opts out of EU trafficking directive.

The UK government has decided not to adopt an EU directive to combat sex-trafficking across Europe. The decision has been publicly criticized by the Labour Party, the Archbishop of York and the charity Anti-slavery International.
The Home Office has responded by saying that the UK already complies with “most of what is required by the draft EU directive” and will review the decision once the directive has been agreed.
Dr John Sentamu, the Archbishop of York, said that the government should “get involved now and be part of improving the situation – not sat on the sidelines offering wise words only when the match is over.’
Unchosen would like encourage everyone to write to their MPs to urge the government to reverse their decision.
Article in The Guardian 4th September 2010

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August 2010

TV programmes highlight human trafficking

Channel 4 has shown a series of programmes highlighting trafficking for both domestic slavery and the sex-trade.
The first programme was ‘Dispatches’ – ‘Britain’s Secret Slaves’ about overseas domestic workers brought in to the UK by rich and powerful employers. Many of these workers, including children, are kept locked up and subjected to sexual, physical & psychological abuse. The programme claims that foreign diplomats are among the worst offenders in this form of modern slavery.
This was followed by ‘I am slave’, an excellent piece of factual drama, portraying the community the young girl was abducted and trafficked from, her journey and the abusive slave existence she endured here in the UK.
On following nights, the 3-part documentary ‘The Hunt for Britain’s Sex Traffickers’ followed police officers from around the UK as they investigate criminal networks that traffic women into the country.
Unchosen would like to commend Channel 4 for these excellent broadcasts and the way in which they have brought awareness of human trafficking to a wider audience.
All programmes can be viewed on Channel 4 on Demand for a month after broadcast.
Dispatches - Britain's Secret Slaves 30th August 2010
I am slave 30th August 2010
The Hunt for Britain's Sex Traffickers 31st August – 2nd September 2010

UN launches anti-trafficking plan

The United Nations has launched a global action plan to combat human trafficking. The plan calls for integration of the fight against trafficking into the UN’s broader programmes. It also calls for a voluntary trust fund for victims of trafficking, mainly women & children.
At a meeting of the General Assembly at the UN Headquarters in New York, General Secretary Ban Ki-moon spoke of the need to take immediate steps "to stop this terrible crime against human dignity, which shames us all."
The UN has estimated that more than 2.4 million people are currently being exploited as victims of human trafficking.
News story from UN.GIFT 31st August 2010

2600 women trafficked to UK brothels

A report by the Association of Chief Police Officers 9ACPO) has revealed that 2600 of the 17,000 migrant women working in UK brothels are victims of trafficking. Most of these women come from Asia, mainly China. A further 9,200  of the women are classed as ‘vulnerable migrants’ and may be further victims of trafficking.
The ‘Setting the record ‘ report is the result of a year-long study titled ‘Project Acumen’ which was commissioned to discover the true extent of sex-trafficking in the UK.
Deputy Chief Constable Chris Eyre said:
“The publication of this report represents not the end of a process, but the start. We now have a better picture of the extent of trafficking and will look to support from Government to ensure we work effectively with all agencies to make the UK a more hostile environment for traffickers, to shut down trafficking routes into the UK and to prosecute those who are exploiting women for their own gains.”
Article from Reuters 18th August 2010
ACPO 'Setting the Record' report
August 2010

Trafficked children in cannabis farms

Children are being trafficked into the UK to work in large-scale ‘cannabis factories’. They are used to tend crops, to divert electricity and to raid rival farms. The ‘factories’ are often in residential properties, with the windows blacked out.

Chinese & Vietnamese immigrants are also trafficked into the country. They can pay up to £10,000 to enter the country illegally and when they arrive, they have to pay off their debts by becoming ‘gardeners’ in cannabis factories. Often, they are not allowed to leave the premises until the crops are ready.

The criminals behind the factories are involved in a range of other crimes including drug production and distribution, counterfeit currency, fake DVDs and prostitution.

Anyone with suspicions about a property where they think drugs are being grown can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
BBC News 17th August 2010

British children trafficked within UK for sex-trade

Trafficking doesn’t just affect those brought into the country. This report in The Independent highlights the horror of British-born children forced into the sex-trade – within the UK. It tells the story of one of many young girls targeted by gangs, passed from gang to gang and from town to town.

Sheila Taylor, chair of the National Working Group for Sexually Exploited Children and Young People, said: "What we're seeing is the tip of the iceberg. This is happening in all cities and many towns. There has been no prosecution of those who sexually exploit children with trafficking legislation."
Article from The Independent 15th August 2010

Pakistan floods increase risk of trafficking

As well as the devastating humanitarian crisis that has resulted from the floods in Pakistan, the risk of trafficking is also growing. The southern province of Sindh was already a hub for human trafficking but the disruption caused by the floods leaves vulnerable women and children even more susceptible to exploitation.

Human trafficking has flourished in the aftermath of previous natural disasters, such as the earthquake in Haiti earlier this year. Aid agencies, such as World Vision, are working to re-establish infrastructure and provide protection for unaccompanied children.
Full article 14th August 2010

TV dramas highlight UK slavery

Two dramas on the subject of slavery in the UK are planned for British TV.
‘Dispatches’ on Channel 4 will be airing the programme ‘I am a slave’ on 30th August, as part of the Channel 4 Slavery season. It focuses on women who come to the country as domestic workers but when they arrive are unpaid, overworked and abused by their employers.

BBC1 has commissioned ‘Taken’, a 90-minute drama about children brought in to the UK in search of a better life but who end up working illegally.  The programme will be broadcast in 2011.
Article from The Guardian - BBC drama 'Taken' 5th August 2010
Article from The Guardian - 'I am a slave' 6th August 2010

Charities say government failing trafficking victims

Anti-trafficking charities have criticised the government for not adopting an EU directive which they say will provide protection for victims and lead to more prosecutions. The Home Office says that there are already measures in place to help victims.

The charities, including Anti-Slavery International and ECPAT, are part of a The Anti-Trafficking Monitoring Group which published the report ‘Wrong Kind of Victim?’ in June and described the UK system as ‘not fit for purpose’.
(See Unchosen News 15th June). They say that trafficking in Europe requires a cross-border solution and that the UK should step into line with other EU states.
BBC News 4th August 2010

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July 2010

Trafficking campaigners call for new laws in Scotland

The Trafficking Awareness Raising Alliance (TARA) has called on the Scottish Government to introduce new laws focusing on those who advertise, facilitate and, in particular, buy sex.

There has been a steep rise in referrals of women brought to Scotland as sex slaves. The rise was thought to be partly due to increased awareness but also due to increased demand for exotic-looking prostitutes. Despite this, there have been no trafficking convictions in Scotland so far. Ann Hamilton of TARA said that they have several women co-operating with the police and is hopeful that this will result in a conviction.
'The Scotsman' 27th July 2010

Bail for trafficking suspects

We at Unchosen are concerned that seven people arrested on suspicion of sex trafficking in the UK have been bailed pending further enquiries. It is our view that bail is not appropriate for such a dangerous crime and that the accused may exit the UK in the same way that their victims entered.

Five women and two men were arrested following raids at properties in Ipwich, Norwich, Swindon, Harwich, and Tedburn St Mary in Devon. They were held on suspicion of trafficking for sexual exploitation and of conspiracy to manage, keep, act or assist in the management of a brothel.
BBC News 23rd July 2010

£1m cannabis factory raid in Bristol

One of the biggest cannabis factories ever has been uncovered in a former florists shop and adjoining flats in South Bristol.

This is the fourth major cannabis factory that has been uncovered in the city this year. Commenting on previous cases, a local police officer said that such large-scale cannabis production almost certainly funds crimes such as people trafficking, organized crime and the sex trade. He also said that the people found inside these factories are often only the ‘gardeners’ – they have been brought into the country illegally, are paid a pittance and have had their identity taken from them.

Anyone with suspicions about a property where they think drugs are being grown can call Crimestoppers anonymously on  0800 555 111.
Bristol Evening Post Friday 23rd July 2010
Police comment February 2010

Family wing at immigration detention centre to close

The UK government has pledged that children will no longer be held at Yarl’s Wood immigration detention in Bedfordshire. The family unit is to close but the adult facility will remain open. The Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, said that the detention of children was a ‘moral outrage’.

The charity Medical Justice, which offers advice to asylum seekers have welcomed the decision. However they claim that vulnerable women, including torture victims, pregnant women, victims of trafficking and women with serious medical conditions, are also being held. They call for the whole unit to be closed down.
BBC News 21st July 2010

Sign the petition to stop sex trafficking of children & young people

The Body Shop, in collaboration with ECPAT UK, has launched a campaign which calls on the UK government to introduce guardianship for child victims of trafficking.The scheme would provide victims with someone with parental responsibility to support them and prevent them from further harm and exploitation. It would also give them the support they need to rebuild their lives.

Guardianship is a requirement of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings. It is a key recommendation of the UK Anti-Trafficking Monitoring Group, of which ECPAT UK is a member.

We can all take action by signing the petition and also contacting our MPs to ask them to sign the Early Day Motion recommending this.
Sign the petition
Email your MP
Press release 14th July 2010

Action Aid tell ASDA to make fashion fair

Action Aid are asking ASDA to pay a living wage to garment workers in India who make clothes for their fashion range. Their report, named ‘Asda: poverty guaranteed’, claims that the retailer pays its workers, mainly women, very low wages. They say that just an extra 2p on a £4 t-shirt could mean the difference between poverty and a decent standard of living for the workers and their families.

ASDA say that the report doesn’t do justice to the hard work they have been doing and have invited Action Aid to join them on a trip to Bangladesh to see progress that has been made.

Action Aid have responded by asking them to publicly commit to pay a living wage, to ensure that prices paid to factory workers cover the cost of a living wage and to promote workers rights in factories.
Action Aid campaign 7th July 2010

BBC World Service report on trafficking and domestic servitude in the UK

The first part of this programme on the Outlook Show on BBC World Service investigates the plight of foreign workers who come to the UK to work for the rich and powerful. Many find themselves trapped in servitude, made to work all hours for little or no pay and may also be sexually abused.
Listen to the report 6th July 2010

Campaign launched to compensate trafficked people in Europe

COMP.ACT, the European Action for Compensation for Trafficked Persons, was launched on July 2nd. The campaign, led by Anti-Slavery International and La Strada International, calls on governments across Europe to meet the legal obligations to provide compensation and protection for those trafficked into forced labour and sexual exploitation.

It also calls for governments to make more effort to confiscate the assets of traffickers. This would help pay for the compensation of the victims and may also deter criminals from becoming involved in trafficking in the future.
According to the United Nations, the annual profits from global trafficking is $32 billion but only a handful of individuals receive compensation for their suffering.
Full report from Anti-slavery International 2nd July 2010

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May/June 2010

Inquiry into sex trafficking in Scotland

The Equality and Human Rights Commission in Scotland is asking punters to talk to them anonymously if they suspect the prostitutes they have been with may be victims of trafficking. Baroness Helena Kennedy, who is heading the inquiry, said to get a proper sense of the problem, it is better to hear from witnesses directly.

The probe will also look at how Scotland can tackle the problem of trafficking, looking as policing, border control and support of victims.
Full report 30th June 2010

Safe house closed due to lack of funds

A safe house in Hampshire has had to close due to lack of funding. The house, in Hampshire, was run by The Medaille Trust charity and provided refuge for dozens of women who had been trafficked into the UK to be sold for the sex trade or slave labour.

The government had been approached for funding. The Home Office said it was committed to tackling trafficking and supporting victims but was ‘reviewing its arrangements’.
BBC News (England) 24th June 2010

PM asked about Anti-Slavery Day

At Prime Minister's question time this week, David Cameron was asked about the progress of the Anti-Slavery Day Act. The Act requires the Secretary of State to specify a date to be observed each year as Anti-Slavery Day. The purpose of the day would be to raise awareness of the dangers and consequences of modern-day slavery and human trafficking.
The previous Bill had been sponsored by Anthony Steen MP. The Prime Minister thanked the questioner for reminding him of this important issue and would look into the matter immediately.
Anti-Slavery Day Bill 2009-10 23rd June 2010

Take action: UK anti-trafficking measures ‘not fit for purpose’

A new report "Wrong kind of victim?" by the Anti-Trafficking Monitoring Group claims that UK anti-trafficking measures are ‘not fit for purpose’ and are not providing enough support for victims. The coalition, which includes Anti-Slavery International, Amnesty International UK and ECPAT UK, has also accused the government of punishing victims for immigration offences rather than targeting those behind the crime.

Commenting on the report, Anti-Slavery International say that the UK is falling short of meeting its commitments under the European Trafficking Convention, adopted by the previous government in April 2009. They ask us all to take action by writing to the new Home Secretary, Rt Hon Theresa May MP, urging the new Government to guarantee the help and support that victims of trafficking urgently need.
Take action here - Anti-Slavery International
BBC News 15th June 2010

J.K. Rowling helps trafficked persons in the Philippines…

J.K. Rowling, author of the ‘Harry Potter’ books, has given a ‘sizable donation’ towards a centre for victims and survivors of trafficking in Manila in the Philippines. The ‘Centre of Hope’ provides a safehouse and pursues legal cases against traffickers.
Global Nation Inquirer 15th June 2010

… and UN call to stop trafficking in the Philippines.

The United Nations marked the world celebration of International Migrant Workers’ Day by focusing on human trafficking.
According to the UN, there are around 80,000 victims of trafficking in the Philippines. The country is also the third largest source of migrant workers, after China and India, with over 8 million in more than 180 countries. The ‘sheer number’ of migrant workers, often in poor and undemocratic countries, makes them especially vulnerable to trafficking.
Denis Lepatan, chargé d’affaires and Philippine Deputy permanent representative to UN in Geneva, has called for a rights-based approach to combat human trafficking.
He said,
 “It focuses on the needs of individuals at each step in the trafficking chain and, therefore, it can help save and repair more human lives which are being daily destroyed by trafficking.”
Report from Business Mirror Online 7th June 2010

Is the World Cup only about football?

High School students in South Africa are concerned that there will be an increase in human trafficking as a result of tourists visiting the country for the World Cup.
Twenty students from a Phefani High School in Soweto are taking part in the BBC’s School Report project.
Although they are on the whole pleased that the tournament is being held in South Africa, the students have voiced concerns about trafficking as well questioning the large amounts of money paid to footballers rather than on poverty relief.
BBC News School Report

Exploitation of soccer ball stitchers

The Playfair 2012 campaign has highlighted research by the International Labor Rights Forum (ILRF) which has uncovered child labour and other violations of labour rights in the soccer ball industry in Pakistan, India, China and Thailand.

Over 75% of workers for sewing centre supplying major brands were found to be on temporary contracts without benefits or social security. Female home-based workers were on the lowest wages and face the threat of losing their jobs due to pregnancy.

A link is provided to the Clean Clothes Campaign to put pressure on FIFA to take responsibility for their sport by improving the labour rights of workers in the soccer ball industry.
Playfair 2012 7th June 2010

Fear of increased trafficking during major sporting events

Two recent reports have raised concerns about an increase in trafficking in the UK during upcoming sports events.
A report from the Welsh Assembly has warned that the Ryder Cup golf tournament is ‘highly likely’ to lead to an increase of trafficking of women and children into Wales for the sex trade. The tournament will take place in Newport in October.
The Knowing No Boundaries report claimed that the increased demand during previous major sporting events had led to an increase in trafficking .
They recommended the appointment of a trafficking director, funding for tackling the problem as well as an awareness-raising campaign.
Similarly, the Glasgow Community and Safety Services (GCSS) which manages the Trafficking Awareness Raising Alliance (Tara), warns of an increased threat of trafficking for the Commonwealth Games due to be held in Glasgow in 2014.
The Scottish Parliament is being urged to take action to avoid women being brought to the city to be sexually exploited.
BBC News (Wales) 25th May 2010
BBC News (Scotland) 15th June 2010

Russia Cuts Support For Trafficking Victims

A support centre in Moscow for victims of sex trafficking has been closed, leaving only 2 such centres in the whole of Russia.
The post-Soviet states are said to be ‘a breeding ground for human trafficking and sexual exploitation’, according to those who used to run the help centre. Also there is no specific law against human trafficking in Russia, just a sub clause of the criminal code.
Many vulnerable young women leave Russia with a hope of a better life elsewhere but find themselves lured into the sex trade. It is estimated that the majority of people trafficked to the EU either come from or via Russia.
Sky News 27th May 2010

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April 2010

Met Police trafficking and exploitation unit

In news from the United Kingdom, on Thursday April 1st the BBC reported that the Metropolitan Police has created a new police unit to respond to human trafficking. The Human Trafficking and Organised Crime Unit have the remit of investigating trafficking, sexual exploitation and forced labour.

This unit has been created in part to replace the former Metropolitan Police Human Trafficking Unit, which has now disbanded. That particular unit had been recognised as an example of good practice and the closure of the unit was opposed by many. (As documented in the November 2009 news update on this website)

The concern is that, as this unit will have to focus on other forms of organised crime, the attention to the crime of human trafficking will naturally have to be reduced.

Aidan McQuade, Director of Anti-Slavery International, commented:

“The decision to make forced labour and servitude criminal offences in the UK will help protect the most vulnerable workers from slavery in the factories, farms and even homes of this country. However, while Parliament has now provided clear guidance to law-enforcement and prosecutors on society's expectations of how they should act against perpetrators of slavery, we are concerned that the same priority has not been met by the London Met Police, who have relegated the issue to a Unit already burdened with the task of policing many other serious crimes.”

Full article in BBC news
Statement from Anti-Slavery International

The ‘bitter truth’ about chocolate

BBC’s  ‘Panorama’ programme has investigated cocoa production in West Africa, revealing a high incidence of child labour and child trafficking.

The Kuapa Kokoo cooperative that supplies cocoa beans for ‘Fairtrade’ products sold by Cadbury and Divine had suspended some of its own suppliers who had been found to be using child labour.

Harriet Lamb, Executive Director of the Fairtrade Foundation, gave her response to the programme. She emphasised the importance of traceability in the supply chain. She explained that the Fairtrade Foundation has rigourous standards and a system of checking and inspection to deal with any cases of child labour that may be uncovered.

BBC Panorama report
Response from the Fairtrade Foundation

Potential for trafficking at the World Cup…

In international news, with the World Cup due to start in South Africa on June 10th there is much speculation about the potential for human trafficking at such a massive international event. An article from The Times in South Africa has focused on the current problem of human trafficking that exists in South Africa.

Full article

…and the 2012 Olympics

In UK news, the Daily Telegraph reported on March 27th that there is continued speculation about the potential impact on trafficking into London as the city looks to hold the 2012 Olympic Games.

Tessa Jowell, the Olympics Minister said,

“The evidence from previous Games is mixed and we mustn’t create a problem where there isn’t one. While the scale of the risk is debatable, the nature of it isn’t. Even one woman trafficked because of the Olympics is one too many. That’s why we are acting now with the ambition that we can be the first ever Games without the scar of the prospect of trafficking and exploitation of women.”

Unchosen say: Our concern with the discussion on the subject of the potential rise of human trafficking as a consequence of London hosting the Olympics is that it has focused exclusively on the potential for women to be trafficked for sexual exploitation. The potential for trafficking for other industries and for men to be trafficked also needs to be explored and discussed.
Full article

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March 2010

Saudi and Emerati diplomats accused of trafficking staff into UK

In national news, on Monday 22nd February, The Guardian reported a story of diplomats from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates who live in London of being accused of trafficking people into the United Kingdom to be used as their staff.

‘One employee for a Middle Eastern diplomat reported that she was forced to work 17-hour days doing all the cooking and cleaning as well as the nanny work without a day off or pay, that she was also subjected to violent attacks by the diplomat and his wife, and that she was barred from leaving the house for six months, except to buy milk.’

The article explains that all of these workers were admitted into the UK legally as part of a domestic worker programme especially for diplomats. However this prohibits these persons from seeking alternative work outside of the diplomatic mission. This linking of legal residence to one job contract is extremely problematic for migrant workers who find themselves exploited upon their entry into the UK. If they leave their job they then lose their legal right to residence in the UK. The article goes on to state that the all-party parliamentary group on trafficking has brought this problem to the attention of Phil Woolas, Minister for Immigration.

Unchosen say: This is an important matter that needs to be resolved. The present situation gives the trafficker additional power and the trafficked person a further level of unnecessary vulnerability.
Full article

Police ignore rights of sex trafficking victims

In further national news, on Tuesday 9th February, The Guardian featured this article that addresses what many of us already know. It says that the police and immigration services often ignore or fail to uphold the human rights of trafficked persons. The Equalities and Human Rights Commission believes that women trafficked for sexual exploitation are often treated as criminals who have broken immigration rules rather than as people who have suffered violations of their human rights.

The investigation will begin by primarily looking at the situation in Scotland. Morag Alexander, the EHRC's commissioner for Scotland, said:
"This is not just about statistics, this is about people whose lives are blighted by harm and misery. We will examine whether there are areas where policy and practice could benefit from a clearer human rights approach."

Unchosen say: Policy and practice would benefit from the adoption of a human rights approach to responding to trafficked persons. It should be unequivocal that trafficked persons are treated in respect of their fundamental human rights.
Full article

Sheffield trafficking centre to go

In further national news, is the news that the UK Human Trafficking Centre (UKHTC) is to be taken over by the Serious and Organised Crime Agency (SOCA). The UKHTC was created in October 2006 based on the expertise of the South Yorkshire Police.

A spokesman from the centre was quoted as saying,
‘The Serious and Organised Crime Agency and the Home Office are keen for the UK Human Trafficking Centre to retain its role and character. The UK Human Trafficking Centre therefore will continue to be a national and international centre of excellence in human trafficking.’

One can be sure that this transitional phase will be watched carefully by those involved in the anti-trafficking movement.
Full article

Legal advisor in Haiti faces charges

In international news, on the 15th February, CNN reported that the legal representative for several American missionaries who had been arrested for kidnapping children in Haiti is now himself facing charges of human trafficking in El Salvador and human smuggling in the United States.
Full article

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February 2010 Update

Campaigning against slavery on the high street

On December 23rd 2009 Anti-Slavery International called on high street fashion retailers Zara and H&M to stop selling clothes made with cotton from Uzbekistan. Anti-Slavery International have highlighted that around half of the cotton picked in Uzbekistan is picked by forced child labour. Unchosen organisers attended the launch of this campaign at Amnesty Head Office in London on 8th October 2009.
H&M have made a statement in reply to the announcement by Anti-Slavery.

The website www.cottoncampaign.org provides more information about companies which continue to use cotton from this region, as well as those companies which have ceased to use cotton from Uzbekistan in their products until the labour practices change. Consumers have a considerable amount of influence on retailers. Boycotts and pressure against companies can and do work in making them change their practices and policies.

Why men use prostitutes

An article in The Guardian from 15th January draws attention to a report by Eaves4women entitled ‘Men who buy sex – who they buy and what they know’ which is essential reading for those engaged in tackling trafficking for sexual exploitation. More than one third of men interviewed said they thought they had visited prostitutes in London who were trafficked. One man interviewed suspected that an African woman he met was trafficked, he explained, ‘She was frightened and ­nervous. She told me she had been tricked. I had sex with her and she seemed fine with the sex. She asked me to help her, but I said there was little I could do. She might have been lying to me.
Full article in The Guardian
www.eaves4women.co.uk

The House of Commons discuss human trafficking

On Wednesday 20th January the House of Commons discussed human trafficking in the United Kingdom. The minutes cover what the UK government has been doing recently to tackle human trafficking. Interestingly, Anthony Steen, the Conservative member of parliament for Totnes mentions his private members bill (due to have its second reading on February 5th) calling for a national anti-slavery day which would draw attention to the existence of contemporary slavery in the UK and around the world. (Unchosen know this to already exist 18.10.10) The minutes also feature comments from MP’s who are concerned about the closure of the Metropolitan police trafficking unit. It is important that the issue of human trafficking receives cross party support. Tackling human trafficking requires the concern and efforts of all sides of the House of Commons. Verbatim minutes.

Trafficking of children as a result of the Haiti earthquake

Following the terrible events of the Haiti earthquake there has been reporting from various news organisations that the situation is being taken advantage of to traffick children. On Friday 22nd The Guardian reported that a UNICEF spokesman had told the press that 15 children had gone missing from hospitals and were presumed to have been taken. However an article in the Huffington Post highlights that before the earthquake the number of children in Haiti in forced labour was over 300,000. In the rebuilding and restructuring of Haiti such a situation must not be allowed to be replicated.
The Guardian article
Huffington Post article

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November 2009 Update

In local news Bristol City Council held a scrutiny day on human trafficking on Tuesday 24th November. The event was attended by various stakeholders involved in human trafficking, which included Unchosen. DI Richard Budd made a presentation on the current police investigation of the problem of human trafficking within the city; Dr Christien van den Anker’s presentation explained what is being done both internationally and locally in combating human trafficking. There was also a presentation by a representative from the Dublin Migrants Rights Centre. Bristol City Council is continuing to respond to the problem of human trafficking. Bristol is recognised as an area in which local people and organisations are taking proactive steps in the ongoing campaign to tackle human trafficking and protect those people who are trafficked.

In national news Mayor of London Boris Johnson will be handing a petition with 1,800 signatures to the Metropolitan police calling on them not to close its specialist human trafficking unit. The specialist human trafficking unit is recognised as an example of good practice in investigating the crime of trafficking human beings. It is highly important that the unit should remain active. www.thisislondon.co.uk

In further national news, 13 people have been arrested following Operation Ruby which has been of the UK’s biggest police operations against the crime of human trafficking. 200 staff from across 9 separate police units have been involved in the operation. It has also been alleged that £10 million has been laundered through different companies to hide the existence of trafficking. One hopes that if this is true then this money will be confiscated by the police under the 2002 Proceeds of Crime Act and used to compensate those people who have been exploited. The money could also well be used to provide support services and accommodation for other trafficked persons in the United Kingdom. More details about the operation and those arrested can be found at the following link, www.recruiter.co.uk

Tessa Jowell the Olympic Minister has spoken in Parliament this month about identifying appropriate action to take to prevent a surge in human trafficking in the run up to the 2012 London Olympics. She said she would enter into discussions with relevant stakeholders and experts on the issue. www.cypnow.co.uk

This is a positive revelation as previously government spokespersons had been in denial about the possibility of an increase of people being trafficked into the UK in the build up to the Olympics. However a report by the Global Alliance Against Trafficking in Women offers evidence to the contrary, at least in respect of women trafficked for sexual exploitation. The report makes no reference to trafficking for forced labour. (Report PDF)

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Thursday 22nd October 2009

In European wide news, The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and Saatchi and Saatchi Switzerland have collaborated to produce a website, print media and television advertising to make consumers think about who produces the products which they buy and the circumstances in which these products are made. Consumers have a substantial amount of power as was illustrated with the successful campaign to make Cadburys go free trade. The link to the rather impressively designed website is provided here, www.buyresponsibly.org

In British news, there has been widespread condemnation in the British media in the last few weeks regarding the decision to abolish the Metropolitan police’s specialist human trafficking unit. The unit is regarded very highly and is considered an example of good practice in responding to the human rights violation and crime of human trafficking. Mary Honeyball, Labour MEP wrote a highly interesting article in the Guardian on the issue. She wrote,

“To demote the issue of human trafficking, when it is recognised by Interpol as the third largest crime after drugs and arms trafficking, shows not only contempt for the victims of this horrific crime but also for the members of this police unit who are internationally regarded as an example of good practice.”  

This lack of commitment to the problem of human trafficking is deeply troubling. It once again reflects the stark contrast between the rhetoric and language used by the government and authorities which suggests a commitment to human rights and tackling human trafficking with the reality of the actions and inactions of government and relevant authorities. She has created a petition to keep the trafficking unit. I would urge all those reading this to sign the petition. It can be found at the following address, www.ipetitions.com

The link to the article is available here, www.guardian.co.uk

The latest figures from the National Referral Mechanism have just been published by the UK Human Trafficking Centre (UKHTC) The UKHTC was established in October 2006 and is based in Sheffield. It is a multi-agency centre that works with a variety of stakeholders in human trafficking. The UKHTC then collates all of the trafficking referrals that are brought to its attention through the National Referral Mechanism (NRM). The quarterly data from 1st July to 30th September shows that a total of 199 trafficked persons were discovered. The figures show that roughly 75% of these people were female, with 88 of these females identified as having been trafficked for sexual exploitation (22 of these were minors). A further 31 females were trafficked for domestic service. The figures also show 34 males trafficked for forced labour. The figures also show again the high numbers of people trafficked from China (28) and Vietnam (19) and Nigeria (35) However, what may come as a shock to many people is the large number of UK nationals amongst these trafficked persons. Of the 199 trafficked persons, 22 were from the UK.

Those who are likely to come into contact with trafficked persons must be aware that trafficking can and does occur internally. The first responders to these trafficked persons are also recorded by the NRM. The UK Border Agency (UKBA) was the first responder in 48% of the cases and the Police Services was first responder in 27% of the cases. As these two groups are the most likely to make first contact with trafficked persons, it is absolutely essential that they have the appropriate training in knowing how to respond accordingly to those people who have suffered serious violations of their human rights. A category that would be very useful would be a geographical breakdown of where these trafficked persons were discovered to identify specific regions where they might be a high prevalence of trafficking activity. The full data can be found here.

In Bristol news, the Bristol Roundtable anti-trafficking group met at the Pierian Centre on Friday the 9th October. The group consisted of a wide range of stakeholders and people interested in the problem of human trafficking in Bristol and beyond. Dr Christien van den Anker from the University of the West of England led the group that also featured representation from Bristol City Council, local NGOs Unchosen and Unseen. There were also national NGOs in attendance including Stop the Traffik and Anti Slavery International. There was also representation from Bristol Women’s Forum and the Bristol Fawcett Society. The group split into workshops and discussed separate topics that were later brought back the group as a whole. The group intends to be a positive force for change in Bristol and part of a much wider movement to address the problems of human trafficking in the South-West. The next meeting will be held at the Pierian Centre on December 4th. To respond hit our blog or email patrick@unchosen.org.uk

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24th September 2009

This is the first of a new series of monthly updates on trafficking news. They will contain news and information regarding the struggle against human trafficking and links to recent publications and sources.

In European wide news, the Committee of the Parties of the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings held its third meeting on Monday, 21 September 2009 at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg. This meeting performed necessary technical duties, including electing its new Chair and Vice-Chair, whilst also discussing topics and debates regarding human trafficking. It also shared a discussion with the President of the Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (GRETA). In positive news, Slovenia ratified the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Being on the 3rd September. It will enter into force on the 1st of January 2010. Slovenia will join the 26 other European countries that have already ratified this convention. This is very encouraging news as this Convention contains many important obligations for the protection of trafficked persons and puts increased pressure on those countries still yet to ratify the convention (including Italy, Germany and Ireland) The text of the Convention can be found at www.coe.int

In the United Kingdom, last month the UK government made its official written response to the sixth report of the Home Affairs Select Committee ‘The Trade in Human Beings: Human Trafficking in the UK’ This report was very detailed and asked tough questions of the government. One of the most positive outcomes from the government’s response was its confirmation that the 45 day reflection period will apply to all trafficked persons and not simply those trafficked for sexual exploitation. This is a significant step in ensuring that all trafficked persons are treated equally and should ensure the protection of trafficked men, as well as women not trafficked for the sex trade. However the 45 day reflection period is still far short of the 90 day recommendation advocated by many organisations as a minimum. The original report can be found here, www.publications.parliament.uk and the government’s response is available here, www.official-documents.gov.uk

In further news from the United Kingdom, there was an interesting article from The Hounslow Chronicle from September 23rd on the arrest of seven men believed to be involved in human trafficking. Sadly the article typifies all that is wrong with many peoples understanding on the subject of human trafficking and contains the common and confused misconceptions. First of all, the article uses the words ‘trafficking’ and ‘smuggling’ interchangeably, failing to comprehend the highly significant differences between the two terms. The article also makes no mention of what has happened to these potentially trafficked persons and where they are now. The article quotes Philip Astle, the UKBA's Heathrow director, as having said: “We believe we have disrupted a significant international organised criminal network, which aimed to assist people to enter the UK illegally.” I would take objection with the word ‘assist’ as this suggests that human traffickers are doing a favour to those that they are trafficking. However the exploitation, threat of violence or actual violence and deception which make up the reality of trafficking are far from helpful assistance. Finally this quote and the theme of the rest of the article only frame concern about illegal immigration, there is no reference to gross human rights violation or the suffering which these trafficked persons might have entailed. The link to this article is provided here, www.hounslowchronicle.co.uk

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