OUR GLOBAL MOVEMENT
Transparency International UK’s response to the proposals in the consultation for a Foreign Influence Registration scheme.
The relationship between Greensill Capital and the Government has called the system of regulating lobbying into question. It involves a complex network of individuals with privileged access to those in senior positions, the failure to adequately monitor and manage conflicts of interest, and significant gaps in lobbying regulation that have put public money at risk. This case has received significant attention in part because it involves lobbying by a former Prime Minister. However, it is important to recognise that issues raised by the Greensill case go far beyond the way one company or even one individual used privileged access to try and influence public policy. They reflect systemic problems that should be urgently addressed to protect the public purse and the UK’s reputation for good governance.
This submission focuses on the interactions between Greensill Capital and HM Treasury but it is important to recognise the breadth of access to Government that Greensill was able to enjoy.
The relationship between Greensill Capital and the Government has called the propriety of governance into question. It involves a complex network of individuals with privileged access to those in senior positions, the failure to adequately monitor and manage conflicts of interest, and significant gaps in lobbying regulation that have put public money at risk. This case has received significant attention in part because it involves lobbying by a former Prime Minister. However, it is important to recognise that issues raised by the Greensill case go far beyond the way one company or even one individual used privileged access to try and influence public policy. They reflect systemic problems that need addressing urgently to protect the public purse and the UK’s reputation for good governance.
