"How will Brexit impact modern slavery and human rights in business?", 3 Aug 2016

[W]hat will leaving the EU mean for modern slavery and business and human rights?...I have picked up five key issues: –

1) There is a danger that we might lose our influence on EU-wide law and policy on slavery...2)...[I]f the UK removes itself from EUROPOL and EUROJUST on exit this would put collaboration on intelligence sharing and foreign law enforcement at risk, thereby endangering vulnerable people at risk of being trafficked or who already find themselves in slavery...3)...On leaving the EU, it is likely that the [Human Right Act] will become untenable as it is intertwined into the European legislative framework...If the HRA is repealed there is a danger that companies that have poor human rights practices and that have ‘public authority’ status under the HRA will not be able to be held accountable...4)...Whilst the UNGPs are not a legal framework they apply to all states and business...[P]erhaps an independent UK can go further by developing its National Action Plan,  integrating social and environmental criteria into public procurement and provide active leadership when it comes to securing business accountability for human rights violations...5)...[On] the issues surrounding business on ensuring greater transparency and accountability, ensuring they tackle slavery in their supply chains and develop equitable practices, hopefully...Brexit will not have a negative effect.