Amber Rudd to announce £11 million fund to tackle 'barbaric' crime of modern slavery

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Home Secretary Amber Rudd is poised to announce a fund of over £11 million to tackle the “barbaric” crime of modern slavery.

It comes after Theresa May said Britain will lead the fight against modern slavery and called it “the greatest human rights issue of our time” shortly after entering Downing Street as Prime Minister.

Ms Rudd, who is Ms May’s successor at the Home Office, will commit £11 million to a dedicated fund for groups fighting the crime in high-risk countries from which victims are trafficked to the UK. In addition, £3 million will be available for projects aimed at protecting vulnerable children overseas and in the UK.

Her department estimates suggest there are between 10,000 and 13,000 victims of modern slavery in the UK and 45 million estimated victims across the world.

Ms Rudd, who will outline the steps in a speech at the Santa Marta Conference in the Vatican on Thursday, said: "Modern slavery is a global crime which demands an international response.

"Only by working together can we win the fight against this barbaric crime, which destroys the lives of the most vulnerable.

"Britain has taken world-leading action to tackle modern slavery. We are determined to work with other governments around the world to eradicate slavery and send a message that it will not be tolerated.

"As part of our ongoing commitment to tackle the scourge of modern slavery, these funds - totalling £14 million - will help develop innovative approaches to support victims and bring perpetrators to justice."

The investment comes from £33.5 million in overseas aid funding to support the fight against modern slavery that was announced in July.