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Transparency International UK launches the major findings from a series of studies which examine corruption in 23 UK sectors and institutions.
Adequate Procedures - Guidance to the UK Bribery Act 2010
Transparency International UK has published comprehensive Guidance on Adequate Procedures under the UK Bribery Act 2010.
Revolving door between government and business ‘spinning out of control’
The study, ‘Cabs for Hire’, which examines the movement of politicians and officials between positions of public office and jobs in the private sector, concludes that the current system has created an environment that increases corruption risks.
A number of recent scandals in the defence, health, transport and energy industries have highlighted the fact that the current framework undermines public trust in government and parliament and creates an unfair advantage for companies that abuse the system.
The report makes fifteen recommendations, including replacing the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (the current body that regulates the system) with a new statutory body; setting up a register of lobbyists and introduction of legislation on lobbying; and a three-year ban on lobbying by public officials who have had responsibility for procurement decisions.
Chandrashekhar Krishnan, Executive Director of Transparency International UK, said “The revolving door between government and business is spinning out of control. There have been far too many cases of officials moving between the two in circumstances which suggest a serious conflict of interest. This has created an environment in which corruption risks are high. We need a more robust system with greater transparency and tighter rules which can be properly enforced. Our recommendations will help reduce the risk of unethical behaviour and maximise the system’s benefit to society.”
For more information, and to request a copy of the report, please contact Robert Barrington on 020 7922 7966 or 07734 744877 or Rachel Davies on 020 7922 7967 or 07732 983855
Settlement Over BAE Systems Corruption Cases is Encouraging
Press Statement
For immediate release
SETTLEMENT OVER BAE SYSTEMS CORRUPTION CASES IS ENCOURAGING
Commenting on settlement of the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) and Department of Justice (DoJ) investigations of BAE Systems for foreign bribery today,
Chandrashekhar Krishnan, Executive Director of Transparency International UK said:
“The SFO and DoJ must be congratulated on finally achieving an outcome. It is important for companies to receive large fines if they have engaged in unethical behaviour. We hope this settlement will now allow BAE Systems to draw a line under its past and will send a message to UK companies that corruption does not pay.
“When the full details of the settlements are known, it will be clearer whether the penalties are sufficiently high in relation to the seriousness of the offences; whether the company will be subject to debarment from government contracts; whether individuals will be prosecuted and whether an external compliance monitor will be appointed.
“This action, particularly by the DoJ, which has imposed a much larger penalty and has also dealt with the Al Yamamah investigation, also highlights the need for a new Bribery Act in the UK. For a Bribery Act to be successful, sufficient resources for effective enforcement will be crucial in order to deliver faster prosecutions and encourage companies guilty of corrupt practices to admit their guilt and not spend years blocking investigations.”
-ENDS-
For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact:
Chandrashekhar Krishnan, Executive Director, 0207 785 6357 or 07816 311070
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or
Robert Barrington, Director of External Affairs, 0207 785 6360 or 07734 744 877
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Notes to the editor
Corruption is the abuse of entrusted power for private gain. It hurts everyone whose life, livelihood or happiness depends on the integrity of people in a position of authority.
Transparency International UK is the UK Chapter of the world's leading non-governmental anti-corruption organisation, Transparency International (TI). With more than 90 Chapters worldwide, and an international secretariat in Berlin, TI has unparalleled global understanding and influence.
- We raise awareness about corruption
- We advocate legal and regulatory reform at national and international levels
- We design practical tools for institutions, individuals and companies wishing to combat corruption
- We act as a leading centre of anti-corruption expertise in the UK.