This section brings together our contributions to policy debates, parliamentary discussions and public consultations, drawing on evidence from our work in modern slavery, criminal exploitation and the criminal justice system.
House of Commons debate references expert discussions on modern slavery and jury trials
In December 2025, we met with our local MP, Aphra Brandreth (Conservative MP for Chester South and Eddisbury), to discuss proposed reforms to jury trials and the implications of removing juries from criminal court trials concerning modern slavery. Our discussion drew on evidence from our work in cases involving vulnerability, coercion and exploitation, where juries are often better placed than a single decision-maker to weigh complex factual and social context.
During an Opposition Day debate in the House of Commons on 7th January 2026, Aphra Brandreth referenced that discussion.
In her contribution, she highlighted concerns about replacing jury trials with decisions made by a single judge, noting the risks where judges may misunderstand or insufficiently account for context when assessing criminal responsibility.
The debate focused on whether juries provide a fairer and more reliable safeguard in criminal proceedings than judge-only trials.
We’re grateful to Aphra Brandreth for raising these concerns in Parliament.
The clip below shows the relevant section of the debate. It is shared for information only.
Founded by Dr Grace Robinson in 2019.
OUR PRIMARY AIM IS TO SUPPORT VICTIMS AND INCREASE AWARENESS OF MODERN SLAVERY.