There are a number of peer reviews relating to anti-corruption efforts by the UK namely the UN Convention Against Corruption, OECD anti-bribery convention and the Financial Action Task Force peer reviews.

The Sunday Times reported this week (paywall) that a draft OECD report which The Times has seen is critical of the steps taken by the UK in particular the government guidance issued by the Ministry of Justice.

In particular it is reported that the draft OECD report highlights some of the examples of corporate hospitality in the Ministry Of Justice Guidance as too permissive (particularly in the context of public officials), and criticises some of the enforcement activity of fines for corporates.  The Sunday Times details some specific examples which the OECD is particularly critical of in a piece which is worth a read if you can.

Civil settlements too reportedly come in for criticism which the report reportedly says are “opaque, lack accountability and fail to instil public and judicial confidence”.

Special treatment is also meted out in respect of the UK’s reportedly ‘glacial’ progress to deal with corruption in its overseas territories.  Presumably a reference to the slow moving and ongoing Turks & Caicos corruption investigation which we have previously reported here.

We have not seen the report and, against a backdrop where TRACE recently reported that the UK is the worlds second most aggressive enforcer, it appears harsh.

However, press along these lines will be unwelcome news to the Coalition Government which will serve to increase pressure on the UK to actively enforce the Bribery Act.

We look forward to publication of the final report.

Image © OECD