Betraying Our People: How Does Criminal Exploitation Trap Society’s Most Vulnerable, and What Can We Do About It?

In the labyrinth of our communities, the spectre of criminal exploitation casts a long shadow, entrapping both the young and the vulnerable in a cycle of coercion and crime. Today’s episode dives deep into this critical issue, exploring the multi-faceted dimensions of criminal exploitation in the UK, from 'county lines' drug dealing to the alarming trends of cuckooing and beyond.

Join us as we unravel the complexities of this pressing problem, examining how financial deprivation, family breakdowns, and vulnerability factors contribute to the risk of exploitation. Through a series of enlightening discussions with experts and those on the frontline, we gain insights into the prevalence of this form of modern slavery, it’s devastating impact on victims, and the challenges in tackling it.

 

Guests:

• Louise Gleich (Host) – Senior Researcher for the Joint Modern Slavery Policy Unit at Justice and Care & The Centre for Social Justice
• Eleanor Lyons - Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner
• Sir Iain Duncan Smith - Conservative MP for Chingford and Woodford Green and Chairman of the Centre for Social Justice
• Colin Ward - Former Police Officer
• Amanda Radley - Child Exploitation Expert at the British Transport Police
• Joella Smith - Assistant Director of Services at Action Homeless Leicester