It is incredible that in a our civilised society in the 21st century, there are still ruthless people exploiting others by keeping them as slaves.

But, as we have seen with a number of recent court cases in the Bradford district, it does happen.

And it is likely these cases have only touched the tip of the iceberg as cruel gang bosses use the fact that vulnerable people are desperate to get into our country to set themselves up as modern day slave drivers.

So news that there will be a modern-day slavery bill going before Parliament is welcome, with stronger sentencing powers and better protection for those who fall victim to this pernicious trade included.

With cross party support, there is little doubt this bill should be passed, and it is something that cannot come soon enough.

As the Police and Crime Commissioner for West Yorkshire Mark Burns-Williamson says, this is an issue that very much exists in West Yorkshire and it simply cannot be ignored.

With sentences increasing to up to life imprisonment for those convicted, it is to be hoped this will act as a significant deterrent.

This is a global problem, though, and it is an evil trade that is spreading. And while deterrent and help for victims is welcome, what is really needed is an international strategy to tackle the issue at its roots and prevent these desperate men and women from ending up in the hands of the traffickers.

This is a sickening trade that has no place anywhere in the world in 2014 and we all must do anything we can to eradicate it.