The Prime Minister has today urged Commonwealth countries to lead the fight against corruption, bringing together 10 countries to counter “one of the greatest enemies of our time”.  He said that the 10 states discussed how, together, they can track corrupt money, return stolen assets, and increase transparency to prevent corruption.

Transparency International UK (TI-UK) welcomes the leading role the PM is taking and in particular the announcement of further plans for the 2016 UK Anti-Corruption Summit.  The Prime Minister also was correct to identify the role that corruption plays to sow instability and ferment terrorism.

Robert Barrington, TI-UK Executive Director said:

“Following on from his July speech in Singapore, this is another positive signal from the Prime Minister that he is treating corruption as a priority and aiming to take a global lead on this critical issue. It is greatly to his credit that he is willing to speak openly about corruption in international forums, where some of his counterparts will feel challenged.

"The big question now is whether he can deliver - both at the 2016 Anti-Corruption Summit he has promised, and beyond.  It is within his reach to establish the UK as a credible global lead on tackling corruption, but for that to happen he has work to do to get Britain's own house in order.  That means addressing corruption in domestic politics - about which most political parties are in serial denial - and making sure that this country ceases to be a safe haven for corrupt individuals and their wealth.  A big test will be his meeting with leaders of the UK's Overseas Territories later this week, as they are regularly implicated in global corruption cases.

“Transparency International welcomes the 2016 Anti-Corruption Summit.  If it is a success it could be a major step forward in ending impunity for corruption, which is one of the world's major challenges.  But the Prime Minister needs to ensure it is more than just a talking shop.”

Transparency International was proud to yesterday publish a joint-statement with the Maltese Prime Minister calling for the fight against corruption to be at the forefront of the Commonwealth. Read the full statement here.

***ENDS***

Transparency International is the civil society organisation leading the fight against corruption

Notes to editors: 

•  Nick Maxwell, TI-UK Head of Advocacy and Research, is in Malta at the Commonwealth Heads of Governments Meeting and available for interview. TI-UK spokespeople are also available for interview in London. 

•  Free-to-use video news release available:

1)   https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B99sotFuWzoWbUY0VXBNTWtoU2s/view?usp=sharing Video format: Quicktime H.264 1080i HD.

Interviews/Grabs:

·  The Rt Hon Lord Maude of Horsham, UK Minister of State for Trade and Investment

·  Edward Scicluna, Finance Minister, Malta

·  Nick Maxwell, Head of Research and Advocacy, Transparency International UK 

2)   https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B99sotFuWzoWWWJRR0xWVTRxXzQ/view?usp=sharing Video format: Quicktime H.264 1080i HD.

Contents:

- GVs of Baroness Scotland chatting

Interviews/Grabs:

- Baroness Scotland, Commonwealth Secretary General Designate

Contact:

Valetta:

Nick Maxwell – Head of Advocacy and Research, Transparency International UK

Nick.maxwell@transparency.org.uk

+447932216536

London:

Dominic Kavakeb – Communications Manager, Transparency International UK