Student enjoys shadowing MLA at Stormont

Carter Herdman spent three days shadowing Mrs Hale at Stormont.

Carter has been researching and studying the debate on the Human Trafficking and Exploitation Bill which passed the further consideration stage this month.

Speaking about his work experience Carter said; “I was shadowing Mrs Brenda Hale MLA when she spoke on clause 6 of the Bill. This clause is an historic piece of legislation as Northern Ireland strives to become the first UK devolved government to make paying for sex illegal. The Nation Referral Mechanism provides official figures that have shown a majority of those trafficked into Northern Ireland were exploited for the purposes of sexual exploitation. The motion was carried by 81 votes to 10 with the Alliance the only party voting against it.

“Sinn Fein and the PSNI were originally against the Bill but after considering the overwhelming evidence they have moved to back Lord Morrow.”

Carter continued: “Clause 6 will now make changes to the current legislation and can result in prosecution of the buyer. Mrs Hale was very pleased that Lord Morrow’s amendment to ensure that much needed support is provided to help people exit prostitution; indeed this has been central importance to those countries that have criminalised.”

Carter said he felt fortunate to get an interview with Lord Morrow.

Reflecting on his time at Stormont Carter said: “I came up to the hill on Monday, October 20 not knowing what I was doing and had no clue what clause 6 was, but thanks to Brenda Hale MLA I now know what clause 6 is and how important it is to this country and to the young women and men who are being trafficked around NI. This bill gives them a way out with a support package and we can return the people back to their home countries and even their homes in Northern Ireland if that is the case. This bill has really opened my eyes to how others exploit people and I very much hope this new legislation can change people’s lives for the better.”