Latest news with #modernSlavery
ABC News
3 days ago
- Health
- ABC News
Breakfast Wrap: Shock as Greens Senator defects to Labor
The post-election rollercoaster ride continues with the defection of Greens Senator Dorinda Cox to the Labor party. Today on the Breakfast Wrap podcast, hear from the Greens party leader Larissa Waters. We also hear from the Labor front bench. A landmark new study finds that Australian men who have a healthy relationship with their father are significantly less likely to commit violence against a partner in later life. The Minister with oversight of the report is Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek. And a New South Wales inquiry into modern slavery has heard of migrant workers living in overcrowded and "unliveable" accommodation and being too afraid of deportation to seek medical care after suffering an injury. It comes as research from the Australian National University uncovered shocking accounts of workers employed on temporary visas hiding pregnancies, attempting home terminations, or spending thousands of dollars to access abortions. Recap the morning's news, politics and global affairs with the Breakfast Wrap
Daily Mail
23-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Sea shanty band caught in slavery probe as six members are arrested while group's leader 'goes on the run' after minibus crash
A West Country sea shanty band who have played Glastonbury is today at the centre of a modern slavery investigation after their minibus crashed on the edge of Dartmoor. Six members of The Old Time Sailors have been arrested by Devon and Cornwall Police and there are reports that the band's leader is on the run and being sought by detectives. Officers were called to Dolvin Road in Tavistock at 7.30am on Monday, May 19 and revealed the following day that they believed some people in the van may have been possible victims of exploitation. The band, which has around 20 members, were apparently travelling back from a gig in Liverpool the night before when their bus came off the road into some trees. No injuries were reported. There was then a raid on a caravan park linked to the band in nearby Gulworthy where eight potential victims of modern slavery were found. These are now being 'safeguarded', police have said, adding that six men were arrested on suspicion of modern-day slavery offences and later bailed. The Old Time Sailors, whose wild shanties include Galway Girl and The Wild Rover, are accused of barely paying some of its musicians, despite playing huge venues around the UK. Fans are encouraged to dress like pirates and dance like drunken sailors. But the band have hit back, insisting they are a 'family' and 'share' all their costs, calling the accusations false and 'ruinous'. Devon and Cornwall Police, Sergeant Tom Ottley said: 'As part of our response to the initial incident, we identified several of the occupants of the van as being potential victims of exploitation offences. They are receiving specialist support and being safeguarded at this time. 'Shortly after, officers carried out a search at an address in the Gulworthy area which led to the identification of further potential victims. We worked alongside the local authority and partner agencies yesterday in safeguarding these individuals and their support was very much appreciated. 'As part of this investigation, we have arrested six males on suspicion of modern-day slavery offences. We appreciate the activity may have caused some confusion and concern amongst the local community.' The six arrested were later bailed. The Sun claims that musicians working for the band were being kept in a farmhouse in east Devon and earning little or no wages. Yesterday police said: 'The six individuals who were arrested have all been bailed. The identified victims are being supported by specially trained officers and are receiving multi-agency support. Enquiries are ongoing.' The band have issued a statement on Facebook branding it 'scandalous accusations, speculation and fabrications about Old Time Sailors' - but did not mention the police investigation. They are on the bill at Camp Bestival festival and have gigs planned in Birmingham, Manchester and Bristol this summer - but concerts in Newquay this week have been cancelled. 'We are aware of a number of articles currently online and categorically state that none of what is being said is the actual truth. It is what might sadly get acknowledged these days as an online hate campaign', they said. 'At no point has any of the information been even slightly fact checked. Fake websites and anonymous social media posts are supposedly telling the truth …but it's an elaborate web of hate. It is dangerous and highly illegal. 'The true facts are Old Time Sailors are a collective of musicians who tour as a family. Yes it's true, we live and travel collectively. We share our costs and overheads. We just have a love of music and performing. The Old Time Sailors have hit back on Facebook, insisting they are a 'family' and 'share' all their costs, calling the accusations false and 'ruinous'. 'Why is this happening? We have been asking the same question. The sad fact is a certain crew member parted ways with the band, and following this we received a very threatening email indicating what could be made to happen if we did not do certain things. But we didn't respond, and then suddenly it happened. Accusations, lies, horror stories and ruinous allegations. 'We still choose to focus on performing - living the free life we chose, and making connections with local communities. We teach and learn new music as we go along and have fun while we travel around. It is what we are all about. 'We all know it's never right to make assumptions about anyone's situation, or glean so called 'facts' from anonymous social media posts. 'We will instead focus on what we have put all our efforts into; the music and performing. We love our fans so thank you for all the support and we hope to see you at a show soon.'
BBC News
22-05-2025
- BBC News
Modern slavery order issued after two women found in Redditch
Two people have been given full modern slavery orders after officers found two women they suspected to be attended a property on Evesham Road, Redditch, in Worcestershire, on 13 November 2023, after receiving a 999 call from a woman who sounded like she was in distress before she hung up. They visited the address but were told their help was not this, officers returned to the property where they found two women locked in rooms as well as large amounts of cash.A man, 39, and a woman, 37, were arrested on suspicion of false imprisonment. On 13 May the man and woman were issued with full Slavery and Trafficking Risk Orders that will be in place for four included banning them from managing accommodation for anyone besides immediate family, possessing cash in any currency to a combined value in excess of £1,000 and employing anyone who is not immediate Sgt David Roberts described modern slavery as a crime hidden in plain sight."We are committed to identifying and disrupting it within our communities," he said."I welcome these full orders, which help us protect vulnerable people who may be coerced or exploited whilst sending out a clear message that such activity will not be tolerated." Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
BBC News
20-05-2025
- BBC News
Car crash investigation leads police to eight victims of slavery
A car crash in Devon has led police to discover eight potential victims of modern day and Cornwall police said it attended a collision involving a van and a lorry on Dolvin Road, in Tavistock, at 07:30 BST on the investigation potential victims of exploitation offences were identified in the van and at an address in the Gulworthy force said the victims were receiving specialist support and being safeguarded, while six men were arrested on suspicion of modern-day slavery offences. 'Confusion and concern' Local policing sergeant Tom Ottley said: "As part of our response to the initial incident, we identified several of the occupants of the van as being potential victims of exploitation offences. "Shortly after, officers carried out a search at an address in the Gulworthy area which led to the identification of further potential victims."He added: "We appreciate the activity yesterday may have caused some confusion and concern amongst the local community."Our officers will be out and about today so please do come and discuss any concerns with us."Devon and Cornwall Police advised people to visit the modern slavery website for advice on how to spot signs of the crime.
BBC News
14-05-2025
- BBC News
Two women arrested in Barrow modern slavery inquiry
Two women have been arrested as part of an investigation into modern slavery Police said it carried out an operation at a building near Duke Street in Barrow on Tuesday. One women, aged in her 40s, was arrested on suspicion of immigration offences while another woman, 63, was arrested on suspicion of modern day slavery women have been released on bail while the inquiry continues and the force has urged anyone with more information to come forward. Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
