After more than a decade combating corruption globally, I was elected to Parliament in 2024. Witnessing the detrimental impact of corruption on democracy and society in countries like Ukraine and Nigeria reinforced the urgency to address this issue.
Regrettably, the United Kingdom has plummeted in the global corruption rankings in recent years, reaching an all-time low. It is imperative that we confront and tackle corruption within our own borders.
The nation’s image has been tarnished by various scandals, including the controversial COVID contract VIP lane favoring Tory donors, lobbying controversies implicating former Prime Minister David Cameron, and now, the acceptance of anonymous crypto donations by Reform.
Instances of corruption are not confined to high-profile cases but are also prevalent on local high streets, with tax evasion and money laundering fueling illicit businesses that evade taxes and mistreat employees, angering law-abiding enterprises.
In my constituency, anonymous foreign-owned properties serve as convenient havens for corrupt individuals, exacerbating the housing crisis and weakening community cohesion.
My decision to enter politics was driven by a determination to address and rectify these systemic issues. It is crucial for the government to take decisive action to restore public trust by rooting out corruption wherever it exists.
I welcome the Chancellor’s support for law enforcement agencies in the budget to combat illicit activities, particularly targeting company directors who evade tax responsibilities.
Moving forward, the government must elevate London’s status from a hub of illicit financial activities to a global leader in anti-corruption efforts through a robust action plan.
The Treasury’s recent announcement of comprehensive reforms to regulate money laundering, halting the facilitation of dirty money by professionals like accountants and lawyers, is a significant step forward.
Addressing the use of British tax havens, notably the British Virgin Islands, to harbor illicit funds is long overdue, and efforts to prevent this practice must be intensified.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy’s announcement of a forthcoming global summit on illicit finance underscores the UK’s commitment to combatting financial crimes, with a focus on eliminating our overseas territories as channels for money laundering.
Corruption is a tangible problem with far-reaching consequences, impacting local economies, squandering public funds, and undermining faith in political institutions. The proactive stance of the Labour government in cracking down on corruption is commendable.
Sophie, a Political Correspondent at the Mirror since December 2022, focuses on UK politics, with particular interests in justice, education, and online security.