Mahmood's views on last-minute' modern slavery claims do not reflect reality, say professionals

"In a strongly worded response to a high court decision blocking the removal of an asylum seeker under the one in, one out scheme, Shabana Mahmood railed at last-minute vexatious claims and migrants suddenly deciding that they are a modern slave on the eve of their removal. The home secretary's comments cast aspersions on the 25-year-old Eritrean in the individual case and asylum seekers more widely."

"The possibility of delay starts here, where traumatised people may be unable or unwilling to express what they have experienced, warned by their trafficker not to say anything on arrival, or not even appreciate that they are a victim. As the UK anti-slavery commissioner, Eleanor Lyons, told the Guardian: Victims of modern slavery have endured horrific exploitation at the hands of criminals. Many victims are fearful of their traffickers and speaking about their experiences."

A high court decision blocked the removal of an asylum seeker under the one in, one out scheme while government comments criticized last‑minute modern slavery claims. Staff in the system say those comments do not reflect how the justice and victim‑identification frameworks operate. The claimant arrived on UK shores on 12 August, and identification as a potential victim can take considerable time. On arrival, people can be referred to the national referral mechanism (NRM) by first responders including Home Office officials, police, Border Force, local authorities, the Salvation Army and the Refugee Council. Traumatised people may be unable or unwilling to disclose exploitation, may be warned by traffickers, or may not recognise themselves as victims. Victims often fear reprisals and distrust authorities, requiring trained professionals to identify and support them.

Read at www.theguardian.com