On Monday, Karen visited the Modern Slavery Garden at the Chelsea Flower Show in her capacity as Minister for Preventing Abuse, Exploitation and Crime.
Karen said: "I was delighted to visit the Modern Slavery Garden yesterday, beautifully designed by Juliet Sargeant. The garden celebrates the Modern Slavery Act, passed by the Government in Spring 2015, which is protecting and supporting hidden victims of slavery all over the UK.
Many people think that slavery no longer exists in Britain, but the reality, represented so poignantly in the garden, is that hidden behind the colourful doors in ordinary streets, people are still being kept in captivity and forced to work in terrible conditions.
But things are changing. The English oak tree in the centre of the garden represents hope; it was under such an oak that William Wilberforce stood when he dedicated his life to ending slavery in the 1880s. For victims of 21st century slavery, the Modern Slavery Act offers hope for a different kind of life. The Modern Slavery Act, the first of its kind in Europe, consolidates slavery and trafficking offenses and introduces tougher penalties and sentencing rules.
What’s more, any business in the UK with a turnover of £35,000 is required by law to publish a slavery and human trafficking statement every year. This means that for the first time ever, businesses are required to find out if there is any slavery in their supply chains. If there is, they have to say what they are going to do about it.
I loved the fact that the garden looks forward towards a world without slavery, and I found my visit both moving and uplifting. Huge congratulations to Juliet Sargeant and her team – a real triumph."