Dudley North MP Marco Longhi is demanding the closure of sex-for-sale websites which enable sexual exploitation but are in a "cosy" relationship with law enforcement. Conservative MP Mr Longhi wants Viva Street banned, as he says pimps can sell vulnerable and trafficked women for sex on the website despite its operators being invited to address a National Crime Agency conference. The Home Office Select Committee, of which Mr Longhi is a member, heard shocking evidence on Wednesday claiming the National Crime Agency is giving websites like Viva Street the veneer of respectability instead of shutting them down.
Mr Longhi also quizzed representatives from the National Crime Agency, the National Police Chief's Council, and the CPS about the low rates of prosecution concerning modern slavery, which are currently 2. Raising the difference between the sale of drugs and sex Mr Longhi said: "My understanding of the law is you can't just go onto eBay and buy cocaine but through the likes of Viva Street and others you can buy sex, which we know there are many many victims.
So it seems like it's OK for one criminal act and not the other. He added: "In the case of modern slavery data I've been given today; from 12, referrals, there was just convictions, seems a really really low number. The committee heard that in from over 10, modern slavery cases there were just referrals to the CPS, with 95 resulting in a charge. All we get from our questions is not the reason why this is happening but just requests for more money. However, I want to find a way to stop more victims being created.
He added: "It is obvious the bar is too high for the evidence needed to prosecute, what is one problem. Lynette Woodrow, lead for modern slavery at the Crown Prosecution Service, agreed with Mr Longhi the that outlawing of the act of selling sex totally would cut down the exploitation of women.
She said: "When it comes to sex, legislation has evolved over time. To exchange sex for money is not a criminal offence. But what is a criminal offence is having sex with a exploited prostitute, it's controlling prostitution, there is a whole patchwork of offences, some old and some new.
