Corruption at home and abroad

On 20 June the UK Government published proposals for a single offence of corruption that would apply to Members of Parliament (from either house), civil servants and the private sector. It would enable the courts in England and Wales to prosecute offences committed both at home and abroad by UK citizens and UK-incorporated companies. In addition the courts would have jurisdiction over corruption offences committed by a national of any state as long as one element of the crime was perpetrated in the UK. Members of Parliament would no longer be able to claim parliamentary privilege; evidence pertaining to an offence committed or alleged to have been committed by such parties would be admissible. There would be a statutory definition of what is meant by “acting corruptly” and the concept of “agent” would be clarified. “Trading in influence” which reflects interference with the decision-making of or corruption by public officials, whether from the UK or overseas, would be unlawful. It is envisaged that the new offence of corruption would carry a maximum sentence of seven years’ imprisonment.