CARE has welcomed a vote in the European Parliament this week to adopt the new Anti-Trafficking Directive.

The Directive received 643 votes in favour, with just 10 against and 14 abstentions.

The advocacy group said the outcome was "great news".

Controversially, the Coalition Government decided to opt out of the Directive on the grounds that British law was already compliant, a claim contested by CARE and other advocacy groups.

CARE said there was no question that the Directive contained important new provisions that would help Britain engage more effectively with the trafficking challenge and better serve victims.

Nola Leach, CARE’s Head of Public Affairs said, "We are delighted that the European Parliament has overwhelmingly voted ‘yes’ and enhanced the Directive in the process.

"There now can be no question that, with new provisions relating to the proceeds of crime and forced begging, this Directive breaks important new ground not covered by British law at present."

Rachel Davies, CARE’s Human Trafficking Policy Officer continued, "The enhanced Directive provides the Coalition government with a wonderful opportunity to give expression to the crucial Coalition Agreement commitment to ‘tackle trafficking."

The Directive is now expected to be swiftly approved by the Council of Ministers and will complete its passage through the European institutions in the first part of next year when the British government will again have the opportunity to opt-in.

Nola Leach concluded, "We very much hope that when the British government is given the opportunity to opt-in early next year that it seizes this with both hands. Britain, which led the way in tackling slavery in the 19th century, should not drag its feet in the 21st."