Slaves on our Streets: Theresa May and Justin Welby back Church of England anti-slavery project

The Clewer Initiative launches at Lambeth Palace to tackle exploitation

The Prime Minister, Theresa May, and the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, today backed a major new anti-slavery project by the Church of England.

Working across all 42 English dioceses, over the next three years the Clewer Initiative, which was launched at Lambeth Palace today, will encourage parishes to support victims and spot the signs of modern slavery in their communities, as well as partnering with other local organisations to prevent the scourge.

“Modern slavery is a barbaric crime which destroys the lives of some of the most vulnerable in our society,” said Ms May.

“Tackling modern slavery is one of my priorities as Prime Minister, and as Home Secretary I was pleased to introduce the Modern Slavery Act 2015, giving law enforcement new tools to pursue criminals and increase the support available for victims.

“However, the Government cannot tackle this problem alone and this is why the efforts of organisations and groups such as the Clewer Initiative are so important.”

Mr Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, said human trafficking was a terrible sin. “Those who purposefully constrain, confine and traffic and enslave people will face the judgement of God,” he said.

“But we can change it so easily, and so quickly. We can set people free, set our society and nation free from the scourge of slavery simply by removing our blindfolds and acting on what we see.”

The Church of England is the latest organisation to announce a crackdown on modern slavery since The Independent and the London Evening Standard launched its special investigation into the subject last month.

Training sessions are already under way to help identify victims in the construction industry and car washes. Last week The Independent and the Standard revealed how car washes are hotbeds of exploitation.

The initiative is being funded by the Clewer Sisters, an Anglican order founded in the 19th century to help vulnerable women drawn into the sex industry.

Faith groups have long taken the lead on the front line of the fight against modern slavery. Since 2014 the Santa Marta group, led by the Catholic Church, has brought together police forces and faith leaders from around the world to help eradicate modern slavery.

Sarah Newton, MP for Truro and Falmouth, and minister for crime, safeguarding and vulnerability, said: “Victims of modern slavery live in communities across the UK – but the despicable crimes against them are too often hidden.

“This is why it takes the local knowledge, awareness and commitment of communities to identify victims and pursue offenders. Victim-focused projects like the Clewer Initiative play a vital role in the fight against modern slavery.

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