Survivors of sexual violence could wrongly be denied recognition as victims of human trafficking under strict credibility tests proposed in a new UK law, the independent anti-slavery commissioner has warned. Eleanor Lyons stated that the measures included in the immigration and asylum bill are fundamentally unfair and risk blocking support for many victims of modern-day slavery and trafficking, including those who allege abuse by the late Mohamed Al Fayed.
Under the proposed legislation, Home Office decision-makers would be required to view any delay in reporting a modern slavery or trafficking claim as damaging to a claimant's credibility. Furthermore, any inaccuracies, inconsistencies, or omissions in a person's testimony—along with any striking similarities to claims made by others—must also be treated as grounds for disbelief.
Lyons noted that these credibility hurdles would disproportionately harm survivors of sexual violence, who frequently experience trauma-induced memory loss. Many victims are also hesitant to report their exploitation immediately due to fears of retaliation from powerful abusers. She emphasized that penalizing victims for delayed reporting, account inconsistencies, or shared patterns of abuse presents a severe challenge for those targeted by Fayed, noting that much time has passed and many suffered similar, horrific forms of exploitation.
Several women who accuse the late billionaire of sexual abuse expressed fears that the legislation would undermine ongoing investigations into his alleged international trafficking network. Holly Johnson, who states she was trafficked and abused while working at Harrods and Fayed's Park Lane offices, warned that the rules would re-traumatize survivors. She criticized the notion that accounts should be doubted simply because victims experienced a consistent strategy of abuse by the same perpetrator.
A survivor collective known as No One Above explained that many women delayed coming forward until after Fayed's death in 2023 and Harrods' subsequent decision in 2024 not to enforce non-disclosure agreements against accusers. Another member, Pelham Spong, recalled that the prospect of challenging a powerful billionaire as a young woman with no financial resources was utterly daunting, leading her to wait years before contacting law enforcement.
The government maintains that the new credibility provisions are designed to prevent misuse of the National Referral Mechanism—the system established to identify trafficking victims—and to streamline the deportation of individuals without legal status. However, advocates argue that prioritizing immigration enforcement over safeguarding leaves survivors vulnerable and hampers police efforts to prosecute perpetrators.
A Home Office spokesperson defended the legislation, stating that the government remains fully committed to identifying genuine victims and providing necessary support while ensuring the decision-making process is robust, well-balanced, and protected by appropriate safeguards. Representatives for Harrods and the Ritz Paris reiterated their support for victims and ongoing cooperation with police investigations, while the Fayed estate has also been approached for comment.