To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Government will (a) sign and (b) ratify the Council of Europe convention on action against trafficking in human beings. (124715)

On 22 January the Prime Minister announced the UK’s intention to sign the Council of Europe convention on human trafficking. The UK is currently examining how we implement the convention and cannot give a specific date for signature. However, having signalled our intention to sign we are now committed to implementing the convention and putting in place a framework which will provide real protection and support to all victims of trafficking.

Unlike the approach adopted by some of our Council of Europe colleagues the UK will not ratify the convention until all the changes to domestic legislation, processes and guidance are in place to ensure that we comply fully with its terms.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the UK will sign the Council of Europe convention on action against trafficking in human beings. (124752)

[holding answer 6 March 2007]: On 22 January the Prime Minister announced the UK’s intention to sign the Council of Europe convention on human trafficking. The UK is currently examining how we implement the convention and cannot give a specific date for signature. However, having signalled our intention to sign we are now committed to implementing the convention and putting in place a framework which will provide real protection and support to all victims of trafficking.

Unlike the approach adopted by some of our Council of Europe colleagues the UK will not ratify the convention until all the changes to domestic legislation, processes and guidance are in place to ensure that we comply fully with its terms.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the Answer of 22 February 2007, Official Report, columns 1946-7W, on human trafficking, if he will clarify on what date he expects to sign the Council of Europe convention on action against trafficking in human beings. (124361)

[holding answer 5 March 2007]: On 22 January the Prime Minister announced the UK’s intention to sign the Council of Europe convention on human trafficking. The UK is currently examining how we implement the convention and cannot give a specific date for signature. However, having signalled our intention to sign we are now committed to implementing the convention and putting in place a framework which will provide real protection and support to all victims of trafficking.

Unlike the approach adopted by some of our Council of Europe colleagues the UK will not ratify the convention until all the changes to domestic legislation, processes and guidance are in place to ensure that we comply fully with its terms.