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The TIPS team

TIPS Newsletter | October 2024 - TI-UK: How Labour can tackle ‘gift-gate’ and integrity concerns

Dear TIPS Member,


In October 2024, Transparency International UK (TI-UK) reported that Labour's first party conference in power was overshadowed by political controversies, namely the ‘gift-gate’ scandal. Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasised integrity as a key aspect of his leadership, demonstrated by actions like retaining the Independent Adviser on Ministerial Interests. However, ongoing media attention on political donations and gifts has raised public concerns. To restore trust and address public integrity issues, TI-UK recommended that Labour:


  • strengthen the role of the Independent Adviser on Ministerial Interests;

  • close loopholes in the Lobbying Act by expanding, particularly in-house professionals, and require more frequent and comprehensive departmental disclosures;

  • cap political donations to reduce reliance on large donors; and,

  • reform former ministers’ post-office employment rules to curb a “revolving door” between politics and business.


Companies should use this chance to strengthen governance and controls by examining their policies on political engagement, gifts, and hospitality. TI-UK’s Anti-Bribery Guidance outlines best practice for UK and overseas companies, recommending clear, written gifts and hospitality policies that are reasonable, proportionate, and bona fide.


Please see below the TIPS Newsletter for October 2024. We look forward to seeing you soon.


 - the TIPS team


 

1. Upcoming Events (register on our Events page)


TIPS | Tech-Enabled Due Diligence – Here Now or Still Coming? | 28 November 2024, 19:00 – 20:00 GMT | Control Risks, London


AMLP’s 13th Annual European Anti-Corruption Forum | 13 November 2024, 09:00 – 17:00 GMT | London (hybrid)


ACI Symposium | 21 November 2024, 08:00 – 19:30 GMT | London


 

2. Recent Events


TIPS | The Future of AML Supervision and Coming Reforms in the UK


On 29 October, the TIPS Network welcomed Helen Taylor of Spotlight on Corruption, Nicholas Van Benschoten of Lloyds, and Rachel Davies of TI-UK for a panel discussion on the key problems and opportunities in supervising the AML regime and tackling enablers of corruption and money laundering in the UK.


We would like to thank Joseph Sinclair for moderating and Mountford Chambers for kindly hosting. Read a detailed write up about the event on LinkedIn.



 

3. Jobs Board


  • Chief Executive Officer, Transparency International, Berlin. Apply here.

  • Adviser on Business and Human Rights, the Danish Institute for Human Rights, Copenhagen. Apply here.


 

4. Items of Interest


TI publications

  • G20 Position Paper: Financial Integrity for Sustainable Development and Inequality Reduction. See here.


TI blogs

  • Keir Starmer now has a chance to demonstrate his government's commitment to restoring trust in politics. See here.

  • Lest we forget: Burkina Faso at a crossroads against human suffering and instability. See here.

  • 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits: Advancing regional stability and prosperity through enhanced defence governance. See here.


Other items

  • Spotlight asks Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists to investigate lobbying for Qatar freeports. See here.

  • Raytheon parent RTX settles false claims, defective pricing, Qatar FCPA violations for $950 million. See here.

  • Stop obsessing over the ECCP. See here.

  • Several Holidays are Around the Corner. Cue the Gift-Giving. See here.

  • ‘I can grant immunity from prosecution’: UK’s chief fraudbuster on modernising the SFO. See here.

  • Kickback: The Global Anticorruption Podcast #119. David Jancsics on the sociology of corruption. Listen here.


 

5. One Minute Reads


New One Minute Reads have been uploaded to the TIPS website. Please do click the link to read more – perfect for your morning/evening WFH coffee break!


 

6. TI-UK Business Integrity Programme


The private sector plays a crucial role in combatting corruption. TI-UK works with companies through a range of support and services.



Email businessintegrity@transparency.org.uk for more information.


 

7. Focus on...

Jessica Arapu


Lawyer (Regulatory Investigations and Financial

Crime) at Clifford Chance

TIPS Co-Events Lead


Why did you get involved with the TIPS network?


My friend at Highgate invited me to a TIPS event and I have not looked back since! I encountered a real mix of interesting people from different areas: professional services, academia, journalism, industry all coming together to discuss all things anti-corruption and business integrity. The value lies in all the different perspectives, which you sometimes miss at sector-specific events.


Please describe your experience as part of the TIPS network.

 

It has been a constant learning experience from the very best minds in the field. Being part of the committee has also been fantastic as I’ve had the opportunity to interview guests and shape events – I look forward to being co-Events Lead this year!


Connect with Jessica on LinkedIn.

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