The Government must protect the vulnerable during its crackdown on illegal Channel crossings, Sir Iain Duncan Smith has said.

In an article for Conservative Home, the former Conservative leader said: “The key to overcoming this problem which the Bill now throws up is to find a way to ensure that victims of slavery exploited in the UK can continue to receive protection from removal and support during the temporary, statutory recovery period. This will ensure that victims can still have confidence to come forward, report exploitation and bring offenders to justice.

“The Government, I believe, understands that these arbitrary powers could end up creating unintended consequences, particularly such as the failure to cooperate by the victims because of their fear of what would happen to them.

“This recognition is why Ministers have offered up the addition of separate guidance that would make it clear that anyone who is given a positive initial referral decision is then given a 30-day period in which to co-operate with the police, during which they would not be subject to the provisions of the Bill.”

Sir Iain added: “The Conservative Government was the first to create the offence of modern-day slavery, and should now ensure that it remains capable of protecting those who are vulnerable, whilst cracking down on those who seek to abuse the rules.”