Modern Slavery | UK Regulatory Outlook June 2024

UK general election 2024: modern slavery aspects

Focusing on the manifestos and statements of Labour and the Conservatives ahead of the UK general election on 4 July 2024, below are what they as leading parties competing to form the next government have said with regard to modern slavery.

The Conservative Party sets out in its manifesto that it will work to end human trafficking and modern slavery, highlighting that the issue is something that would be on its agenda should it be elected. No further details on how it anticipates doing this have been published.

On the other hand, Labour did not mention modern slavery in its manifesto nor in any policy documents.

As reported last month, regulations to eradicate modern slavery in NHS supply chains, which are required under the Health and Care Act 2022, were due to be introduced. Therefore it is likely that the newly-elected government will introduce them. A timeline for when the regulations will come in cannot be determined until the new government is in power and provides an update on their development. As it is currently widely expected that the Labour Party will win the election, this would be something it would need to introduce.

In addition, with the King's Speech on 17 July 2024, there may also be further updates as to what the new government anticipates to do in relation to modern slavery.