The Covid-19 Pandemic has turned the world on its head. It has exposed fault lines we did not know were there, and underscored others that we did. Looking forward, government, business and civil society around the world will have to decide how we can do things differently – and better. Fighting corruption must remain a priority. Sadly, no global crisis will eradicate corruption. In reality, it can make things worse – increasing opportunities for those with entrusted power to abuse their position for personal gain.

We have already seen how pressure on stretched health resources creates openings for corruption in research, procurement, supply chains and contracts. These vulnerabilities exist at other times too and across society. The toll is huge. In the worst cases, corruption costs lives. It steals public money destined for vital services and erodes democracy, provoking instability and public distrust.

We must also remember that the UK is not an innocent bystander. You need only look at the £100 billion of dirty money flowing into Britain every year or the £5bn of UK property bought with suspicious wealth to understand the scale of challenge. Again, so often, these are ill-gotten gains that deprive others around the world of the opportunity to live a life of dignity, self-determination and prosperity.

In these uncertain times, Transparency International UK’s mission to combat corruption in the UK and wherever the UK has influence is more important than ever. This is our moment to push for powerful change.