THE Government has been criticised by the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, for shunning pan-European attempts to tackle the “modern-day slavery” of the sex trafficking industry.

Dr Sentamu said he was shocked that the UK’s political leaders had opted out of a European Union directive aimed at encouraging nations to join forces against the trade, which sees women being ferried to foreign countries to work as prostitutes. The Archbishop called on the Government to rethink its “seriously flawed” position and “make the UK a more hostile environment for traffickers”.

“Sex trafficking is nothing more than modern-day slavery,” said Dr Sentamu.

“This is women being exploited, degraded and subjected to horrific risks solely for the gratification and economic greed of others.

“I am therefore stunned to learn the Government are opting out of an EU directive designed to tackle sex trafficking.

“Generally, I am no great supporter of European directives because of the supremacy of our Parliament, but this seems to be a common-sense directive designed to co-ordinate European efforts to combat the trade in sex slaves.

“What we need are tough cross-border solutions to international problems.

“We need to join with our European brothers and sisters and put an end to this evil trade.”

According to the International Labour Organisation, 43 per cent of the 2.45 million individuals across the world currently being trafficked are forced into the sex trade, most of them women or young girls.

“Britain should get involved now and be part of improving the situation, not sitting on the sidelines offering wise words once the match is over,” said Dr Sentamu. He was responding to the Government’s statement that it will review the UK’s position on sex trafficking once the directive is agreed.

“We need a united front against the traffickers, pimps and gangsters and speak out for those who don’t have a voice. I hope the Government will recognise this and reconsider their decision to opt out of this vital directive.”