OECD REPORT SHOWS GOVERNMENT IS IGNORING CORRUPTION AND BRIBERY - BRUCE

3.57.58pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 18th Mar 2005

The OECD have today published a report on the British Government's lack of commitment to anti-bribery and corruption legislation. Malcolm Bruce MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Trade and Industry Secretary, who gave evidence to the OECD investigative panel when they visited the UK last summer, said:

"This report shows that the Government is not prepared to take a stand in the fight against corruption and bribery. We need a much more rigorous enforcement regime, one that has the proper capacity to investigate and prosecute allegations of bribery and corruption fully.

"The Government has failed to confront business over this problem, and in the face of pressure from industry has been willing to water down procedures which could have made a real impact in stamping out corruption.

"Everyone loses out through corruption. Not taking a firm stand against this crime will damage Britain's reputation abroad and British businesses."