UNA-UK welcomes the announcement that the UK Bribery Act will enter into force on 1 July this year.
The Act updates Britain's outdated anti-corruption laws and brings the UK in line with its international treaty obligations, notably the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) convention. It was widely praised by campaigners such as Transparency International but in the lead-up to its entry into force, had attracted criticism from certain businesses that claimed it might hamper their ability to provide corporate hospitality. These businesses called for a review of the Act.
UNA-UK is a strong supporter of the Act, which it feels is vital to combat corruption not only in the UK but in developing countries. Lord Hannay of Chiswick, former UNA-UK Chair and current advisor, has spoken in Parliament on this issue and wrote in January to UK Justice Secretary Ken Clarke, urging to press ahead with the Act.
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While the announcement has come as a relief to campaigners, many have expressed disappointment at the official Guidance to the Bribery Act, published yesterday by the UK government. Transparency International's Executive Director has said 'the Bribery Act, as passed by the last Parliament, is one of the best anti-bribery lawes in the world. But the Guidance will achieve exactly the opposite of what is claimed for it. Parts of it read more like a guide on how to evade the Act, thank how to develop company procedures that will uphold it'.
