VICTIMS of human trafficking should receive more support according to a former government minister.

The former minister appointed by the government to lead a review into modern day slavery Labour MP Frank Field has spoken out on the issue.

It comes after a Burnley man was jailed in October for holding rpsioner a woman he bought for a forced marriage. The Slovakian was brought to England on a coach and was sold to Azam Khan, 34, and held prisoner at his aunt and uncle’s shop in Brougham Street.

Mr Field said victim support must be at the heart of the government’s proposals to tackle human trafficking.

His key recommendations include enshrining victim support, protections and entitlements in law. He also recommends obligations for the police to investigate further if there is evidence to suggest a defendant may be a victim of slavery.

Mr Field said trafficking prosecutions would only increase if victims felt safer to come forward and give evidence.