International Anti-Corruption Day

My hon Friends, the Minister of State for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories (Stephen Doughty), the Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Tulip Siddiq) and I, are today pleased to announce the appointment of Baroness Hodge of Barking as the Prime Minister’s new Anti-Corruption Champion.

Corruption and the illicit finance that stems from it undermine this Government’s objectives at every turn, both domestically and across the world. Corruption weakens the rule of law and undermines economic growth. It fuels crime on British streets by enabling drug dealers and smuggling gangs. It inflates UK property prices. Today’s appointment is another way in which this Government is proving its commitment to tackling these pernicious harms.

As Champion Baroness Hodge will have three core responsibilities:

Helping the Government to drive development of a new Anti-Corruption Strategy and provide a challenge function for its delivery, once agreed.Acting as a Government entry point on anti-corruption issues for Parliamentarians, private sector representatives and civil society.Where required, engaging internationally to help drive progress on UK priorities.

We believe that the appointment of a Champion will be beneficial in driving forwards and supporting the anti-corruption agenda and recognise that has been a long-awaited announcement since the previous Champion stood down from his role. Baroness Hodge brings experience as a leading Parliamentary and public campaigner on anti-corruption, strong relationships with key stakeholders and background in public service to this role. We look forward to working together to deliver an ambitious government-wide agenda to tackle the devastating impacts of corruption and the illicit finance that stems from it, both at home and overseas.