A former UK independent anti-slavery commissioner will be talking at Amnesty Ely group’s next lecture at Ely Cathedral on Sunday, October 8. 

A spokesperson for Amnesty Ely Group said: “Dame Sarah Thornton will be examining questions during her lecture on forced labour and forced marriage. 

“Around 50 million people across the world are believed to be in forced labour and forced marriage. That’s according to the recent Global Slavery Estimates. 

“What lies behind this cruel exploitation of our fellow human beings, and what can be done about it? Government, businesses and individuals all have a role.” 

Dame Sara is currently a consultant in modern slavery at CCLA Investment Management and a Professor of Practice in modern slavery policy at the Rights Lab, University of Nottingham, where she focuses on research in the area of prevention,business responses, supply chains, and the role of the financial sector in tackling modern slavery.  

She served as a police officer for 33 years, including as chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council. 

The lecture, which starts at 5:30pm, is free to attend with a retiring collection for Amnesty International.