MEPs vote for trafficking clampdown

MEPs in Strasbourg have voted in favour of a new directive designed to crack down on human trafficking.

The new law will provide for a common set of rules defining criminal sanctions and offences for human traffickers operating across EU member states.

The aim is to improve cooperation between EU states to reduce the criminal activities of human traffickers and to allow for better protection for their victims.

Several hundred thousand people are trafficked into or within the EU every year.

Many victims are exploited for prostitution or for menial labour.