Local MP backs human trafficking awareness campaign

3.00.00pm GMT Wed 30th Jan 2008

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron has declared his support for the UK Human Trafficking Centre's Blue Blindfold campaign, which is aiming to raise awareness of the signs of human trafficking. The campaign was launched in parliament yesterday, and prompted Mr Farron to table parliamentary questions to the Home Secretary regarding awareness at borders of human trafficking.

The key theme of the campaign is 'Don't Close Your Eyes', which attempts to prevent people from becoming unaware of the crime which could be happening right on their doorstep. Understandably, victims of human trafficking are often reluctant to make themselves known to the authorities.

Mr Farron said:

"Human trafficking is a very real problem, you might not necessarily think it's happening in your area but awareness is extremely important.

"The Blue Blindfold campaign will hopefully address some of the problems, and I have asked Jacqui Smith, the Home Secretary for assurances that border security staff have powers to stop people that they suspect are trafficking people."