Transparency International UK welcomes the UK Government’s White Paper on international development, which puts tackling corruption as a key priority for the coming years.  

Commenting on the release of the white paper, Daniel Bruce, Chief Executive, Transparency International UK said: 

“The government's recognition that tackling illicit finance is critical for our international development aims is welcome and should now be the basis for action. To that end, the Government should prioritise tackling the role of professional enablers here in the UK and working with Britain’s Overseas Territories to deliver on the commitments they have made to introduce public company ownership registers. 

“Corruption is a threat to Britain's national security, to global health and to peace and security and the holistic approach the strategy plays to address these issues and deliver progress in the coming years is a positive one. 

“Britain has the potential to play a leading role in clamping down on corruption and kleptocracy, but only if it maintains an unwavering commitment to this cause. We look forward to working with the government on these issues going forward.” 

Jonathan Cushing, Programme Director, Transparency International Global Health added:  

“We’re pleased to see the White Paper recognising that corruption, and illicit financial flows block progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as well as a continued focus on supporting countries to attain SDG-3 Health for All. It is vital however that if we are to make real progress on SDG-3 more is done to address corruption within the health sector, and would encourage government to do more to address corruption within the health sector,” 

Josie Stewart, Programme Director, Transparency International Defence and Security said: 

“The recognition of corruption as a driver of conflict is positive, but the government should make sure that corruption itself is recognised as a threat to security and prioritise tackling it accordingly. Anti-corruption cannot take a back seat to broader conflict prevention priorities. Unchecked corruption, left unaddressed for the sake of immediate peace and stability, can become a breeding ground for future conflict.”