Plan represents a significant step forward in UK efforts to combat corruption, but important questions remain over political will

London, 18 December 2014 – Transparency International UK (TI-UK) has given a qualified welcome to the launch today of the first ever UK Anti-Corruption Plan, a 60-page document containing 66 Actions.

The Plan is a ground-breaking document for the UK. It recognises the threat corruption poses to the UK’s society and economy, shifting the long-standing narrative that corruption happens overseas but not here in the UK.

“This plan marks the first time the UK has developed a coordinated strategy to tackle corruption. It is a good plan, and in places first class, drawing widely on research and thinking from several government departments, law enforcement agencies, resources-resources-business and civil society,” said Dr. Robert Barrington, Executive Director of Transparency International UK.

But Transparency International has concerns over signs that political will may be lacking to implement the plan, which was originally due to be launched in June this year.

“Launching the plan this late in the year raises the question of what can be done before the general election. Such plans only ever work if there is political will behind them and if they are someone’s priority. The government is sending very mixed messages, including leaving the post of Anti-Corruption Champion vacant for four months earlier this year.

“But credit must go to those involved, from the Prime Minister to the civil servants, for a substantial and important step forward in the UK’s fight against corruption,” said Dr. Robert Barrington.

To ensure the plan succeeds, Transparency International is calling on the Government’s newly-appointed Anti-Corruption Champion, BIS Minister Matthew Hancock, to announce which parts of the Plan will be achieved before he leaves office and to future proof it by making delivery of the Plan accountable to Parliament.

Transparency International’s assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the plan is available here.

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Notes to Editors:

1. The idea of a National Anti-Corruption Action Plan was first proposed for the UK by Transparency International in 2011 following its 4-volume report ‘Corruption in the UK’.
2. Transparency International (TI) is the world’s leading non-governmental anti-corruption organisation. With more than 100 Chapters worldwide, TI has extensive global expertise and understanding of corruption.
3. Transparency International UK (TI-UK) is the UK chapter of TI. We raise awareness about corruption; advocate legal and regulatory reform at national and international levels; design practical tools for institutions, individuals and companies wishing to combat corruption; and act as a leading centre of anti-corruption expertise in the UK.