Huw Irranca-Davies MP, Labour's Shadow Food and Farming Minister, responding to the outcome of the Gangmasters Licensing Authority Red Tape Challenge, said:

"Labour welcomes the Government’s commitment to the Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA), in spite of Beecroft’s recommendation that it should be abolished.  In the seven years since it was set up by the Labour Government, it has led the fight against worker exploitation, human trafficking and other serious crimes, and at this time of recession it is needed more than ever.

"Labour will engage constructively in the debate on the GLA’s future, but we will not accept any watering down of its powers, and we will follow the public consultation closely to guarantee that the most vulnerable workers in our society are not abandoned by this out-of-touch Government."