March 16, 2021 - Newly announced defence, development and foreign policy priorities for ‘Global Britain’ will require a commitment to anti-corruption to ensure they succeed, according to Transparency International UK.

The Prime Minister today released the conclusions of a long-awaited Integrated Review, which includes a commitment to shaping ‘a more open international order’ and boosting trade with emerging markets in the Indo-Pacific.

Transparency International UK has previously highlighted concerns over the impact of corruption on global security, world trade, the resilience of Britain’s allies, and ultimately the Government’s goals.

Daniel Bruce, Chief Executive of Transparency International UK, said:

“Britain has a long tradition of shaping international governance for the better but corruption threatens to undermine this.

“Corruption makes the world a more dangerous place, renders our allies less dependable, and emboldens those hostile to the UK’s interests. In order to ensure that the Government’s ambitious new international strategy is successful it is essential to include anti-corruption mechanisms in defence procurement, alliance building and military operations.

“We welcome the announcement that the Foreign Secretary will launch a new sanctions regime specifically responding to international corruption later this year.”

Transparency International UK also urges the Government to:

  • Protect law-abiding British companies exporting to higher-risk markets, including many in the Indo-Pacific region, by pursing a commitment to anti-corruption measures in all new free trade agreements.
  • Mobilise multilateral efforts to drive dirty money out of the UK and world economy, constraining the movement of the corrupt and their illicit wealth, to make it less likely that corruption pays.
  • Put corruption in health on the agenda of the world’s policy makers such as the World Health Organisation and institutional donors to improve defences against corruption in health sector procurement and service delivery.

Notes to editors:

The Integrated Review can be viewed here.

Transparency International UK’s response to the Integrated review is here.