Minister declares war on traffickers in run up to 2012 Olympics

MINISTER for Women and Equality Harriet Harman has declared war on human trafficking in the run-up to the 2012 Olympics. She met police from the vice squad who are working to stop trafficking in the Olympic host boroughs at Toynbee Hall in the East End.

MINISTER for Women and Equality Harriet Harman has declared war on human trafficking in the run-up to the 2012 Olympics.

She met police from the vice squad who are working to stop trafficking in the Olympic host boroughs at Toynbee Hall in the East End.

Ms Harman was in Whitechapel ahead of today's Cabinet meeting which was held on the Olympic site.

Police at the meeting in Commercial Street told her they would like to see construction firms working on the Olympics clamping down on any workers involved in trafficking or exploiting women through prostitution.

She said she would take their suggestions on board and see how companies can help back the police by being tough on workers who get involved in the sex trade.

Ms Harman said she wanted to ensure there is not an increase in prostitution and trafficking.

She said: "It's dangerous and degrading.

"Local residents talk about prostitution going on behind dustbins and condoms around - it's a bad environment for children and adults."

She also vowed to get a US based website for punters shut down to help prevent trafficking.