Local MP Caroline Lucas joined forces with The Body Shop and ECPAT UK (1) today to hand over the Stop Sex Trafficking of Children and Young People Petition to 10 Downing Street.

The petition, which calls for greater protection of the child victims of trafficking, has been signed by 735,889 people across the UK - making it the largest to be received by the coalition so far.

Campaigners are asking the Government to support EU proposals for a system of guardianship for child victims of trafficking in the UK.

The Government announced it would opt in to the EU Directive on Preventing and Combating Trafficking in Human Beings and Protecting Victims back in March.

Caroline, who recently visited The Body Shop store in Brighton to sign the petition, said:

"It's clear that far more work needs to be done at the Government level to support young people who become victims of trafficking and exploitation in the UK.

"Appointing a guardian or representative for a child victim of trafficking from the moment the child is identified by the authorities would be an effective way of ensuring that vulnerable young people receive the help they so desperately need."

ENDS

1) For more information about ECPAT: End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and the Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes, visit http://www.ecpat.org.uk/