Skip to main content
Tory anti-refugee rhetoric ‘empowering’ trafficking gangs to exploit children, campaigners warn
A boy leaves the Sheffield Metropolitan Hotel in Blonk Street in August 2021

THE government’s anti-refugee rhetoric is fuelling the exploitation by criminal gangs of lone child asylum-seekers, anti-trafficking campaigners have warned.  

Traffickers are said to be using Tory threats of rounding up and deporting Albanian small boat arrivals to coerce children to go underground. 

The disturbing claims come amid growing anger at the disappearance of 200 children, of whom 176 are Albanians, from hotels run by the Home Office. 

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
People take part in a Million Women Rise march outside Chari
Britain / 4 March 2023
4 March 2023
Million Women Rise call out state failures to tackle misogyny and racism in society
Similar stories
CALLS FOR ACCOUNTABILITY: The Home Office is under pressure
Features / 8 March 2025
8 March 2025
Campaigners have been battling for an investigation into police failings in Keighley on child abuse for almost 25 years – but what is it about this West Yorkshire town that’s led to it becoming such a hub for grooming gangs? ANN CZERNIK investigates
The sign outside the Home Office in Westminster, London
Britain / 7 November 2024
7 November 2024