This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2016/may/12/david-cameron-london-anti-corruption-summit-live

The article has changed 15 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 8 Version 9
David Cameron opens London summit describing corruption as 'a cancer' – live David Cameron opens London summit describing corruption as 'a cancer' – live
(35 minutes later)
2.21pm BST
14:21
Colombia’s President Santos is opening the session now on driving out corruption, and he is particularly linking it to armed violence, human rights abuses and civil disruption.
2.17pm BST
14:17
Six countries sign up to publish names of who really owns companies
The full communique has been published from the summit.
Corruption is at the heart of so many of the world’s problems. It erodes public trust in government, undermines the rule of law, and may give rise to political and economic grievances that may, in conjunction with other factors, fuel violent extremism.
Tackling corruption is vital for sustaining economic stability and growth, maintaining security of societies, protecting human rights, reducing poverty, protecting the environment for future generations and addressing serious and organised crime.
However, firm commitments to tackling corruption are wildly varied depending on the country. British territories including the Cayman Islands and Jersey have agreed to draw up lists of who owns companies registered there, but the information will not be public, just shared among a group of 29 nations when requested by governments.
#anticorruption summit communique is out. Cayman, Jersey and Bermuda will join auto exchange of BO info. Small step pic.twitter.com/Lfk046MuRA
The communique also includes:
José Ugaz, chair of Transparency International points out that the US is not among those nations sharing information on beneficial ownership.
We called on countries to be ambitious and concrete in their proposals to prevent and punish corruption and protect those who stand up against it. Some countries have risen to the challenge and others have not.
Robert Palmer of anti-corruption group Global Witness said the results of the meeting were mixed, but positive.
The tide is definitely moving toward transparency, and the tax havens and the U.S. are being left behind.
Updated
at 2.20pm BST
2.00pm BST
14:00
The session which will start at 2.10pm is chaired by Colombian president Juan Manuel Santos, looking at ‘How do we drive out corruption.’
On the panel is:
1.37pm BST1.37pm BST
13:3713:37
It’s lunchtime, and I’m taking a short break until the summit restarts at 2pm, but meanwhile here’s a video from the Guardian team, looking at the top 10 most secretive tax havens.It’s lunchtime, and I’m taking a short break until the summit restarts at 2pm, but meanwhile here’s a video from the Guardian team, looking at the top 10 most secretive tax havens.
1.36pm BST1.36pm BST
13:3613:36
Oxfam protests with off-shore island in Trafalgar Square
Luke HardingLuke Harding
Around 50 activists in bowler hats and suits were enjoying the sunshine this morning at Oxfam’s “offshore island” in Trafalgar Square.Around 50 activists in bowler hats and suits were enjoying the sunshine this morning at Oxfam’s “offshore island” in Trafalgar Square.
Oxfam had raided its props cupboard: there were palm trees, deck chairs, and a stall selling “Swindle Sundaes”, as well as coconuts and a giant plastic lobster. It had also printed fake £100 notes stamped with the words: “The Tax Dodging Bill”.Oxfam had raided its props cupboard: there were palm trees, deck chairs, and a stall selling “Swindle Sundaes”, as well as coconuts and a giant plastic lobster. It had also printed fake £100 notes stamped with the words: “The Tax Dodging Bill”.
Two Oxfam staff - Paul Langley and John McLaverty - were enjoying a “Cayman Breezer” at a pop-up cocktail bar. “We’re operating out of a PO Box. Good luck trying to find out who we are!” Langley joked.Two Oxfam staff - Paul Langley and John McLaverty - were enjoying a “Cayman Breezer” at a pop-up cocktail bar. “We’re operating out of a PO Box. Good luck trying to find out who we are!” Langley joked.
He added ironically: “I hope that the UK government talks tough but doesn’t do anything. We’d hate to have our money put to use for education and health.”He added ironically: “I hope that the UK government talks tough but doesn’t do anything. We’d hate to have our money put to use for education and health.”
The activists - from Oxfam, ActionAid and Christian Aid - played with an inflatable beach ball between the square’s sparkling fountains. Others batted around a shuttlecock. Several bemused tourists looked on.The activists - from Oxfam, ActionAid and Christian Aid - played with an inflatable beach ball between the square’s sparkling fountains. Others batted around a shuttlecock. Several bemused tourists looked on.
Ojobo Atuluku, country director for ActionAid Nigeria, said David Cameron was right to recognise there was something wrong in Nigeria. She said: “He has a big responsibility in making it right.”Ojobo Atuluku, country director for ActionAid Nigeria, said David Cameron was right to recognise there was something wrong in Nigeria. She said: “He has a big responsibility in making it right.”
She welcomed the government’s plan to unmask the offshore owners of UK properties but noted: “This is the tip of the iceberg. Most of the money isn’t spent on property but hidden in tax havens. What needs to happen is openness and transparency about shell companies and the owners behind them.She welcomed the government’s plan to unmask the offshore owners of UK properties but noted: “This is the tip of the iceberg. Most of the money isn’t spent on property but hidden in tax havens. What needs to happen is openness and transparency about shell companies and the owners behind them.
“We believe David Cameron has the power to make this happen. It’s a matter of whether he wants to be an instrument to stop this fantastic corruption. Poor people in Nigeria are looking to global leaders like him to make the right choice.”“We believe David Cameron has the power to make this happen. It’s a matter of whether he wants to be an instrument to stop this fantastic corruption. Poor people in Nigeria are looking to global leaders like him to make the right choice.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.43pm BST at 2.00pm BST
1.36pm BST1.36pm BST
13:3613:36
We can trade with countries and still raise issues of corruption, says PMWe can trade with countries and still raise issues of corruption, says PM
Cameron is asked about his upcoming conference with the prime minister of Malaysia and allegation of corruptions within that country. The PM says that Britain will always raise those issues when it trades around the world. David Cameron is asked about his upcoming conference with the prime minister of Malaysia and allegation of corruption within that country. The PM says Britain will always raise those issues when it trades around the world.
If the reaction is only to say, the only way of dealing with corrupt government is not provide any aid, any security and any trade with that country, frankly we’re not going to get very far. If the reaction is only to say, the only way of dealing with corrupt governments is not to provide any aid, any security and any trade with that country, frankly we’re not going to get very far.
The aim to raise standards all over the world and realise no government is exempt. Trading with a country doesn’t mean you cant raise issue of concern, in Britain we certainly do. The aim to raise standards all over the world and realise no government is exempt. Trading with a country doesn’t mean you can’t raise issue of concern, in Britain we certainly do.
Summing up at the end of the session, he says it is clear that a lot of countries still don’t have law making foreign bribery illegal, calling that a “baseline point we need to get over”. Summing up at the end of the session, he says it is clear that a lot of countries still don’t have laws making foreign bribery illegal, calling that a “baseline point we need to get over”.
He says it is also vital that prosecuting authorities need to be faster, because of the speed of money transfer in the digital age.He says it is also vital that prosecuting authorities need to be faster, because of the speed of money transfer in the digital age.
No country can be left behind from the drive, he says, because if “we leave behind territories with poor practices, that is where bad behaviour will go.”No country can be left behind from the drive, he says, because if “we leave behind territories with poor practices, that is where bad behaviour will go.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.36pm BST at 1.58pm BST
1.28pm BST1.28pm BST
13:2813:28
You rarely see this, but Nigel Green, founder and CEO of deVere group, has mounted a defence of tax havens in a statement sent to journalists. It’s unlikely to win him many friends here at the summit. Green says tax havens are vital to the world economy, and attempts to make the case that tax havens can be moral.You rarely see this, but Nigel Green, founder and CEO of deVere group, has mounted a defence of tax havens in a statement sent to journalists. It’s unlikely to win him many friends here at the summit. Green says tax havens are vital to the world economy, and attempts to make the case that tax havens can be moral.
Offshore financial hubs help facilitate optimum allocation of capital, they promote a culture of investment and saving, and due to their competitive tax regimes, it can be reasonably argued that they help promote lower tax policies in other parts of the world.Offshore financial hubs help facilitate optimum allocation of capital, they promote a culture of investment and saving, and due to their competitive tax regimes, it can be reasonably argued that they help promote lower tax policies in other parts of the world.
It’s not just helping people save money on tax, he says, tax havens protect the wealthy when their countries are in political unrest. He calls this the “moral aspect” to tax havens.It’s not just helping people save money on tax, he says, tax havens protect the wealthy when their countries are in political unrest. He calls this the “moral aspect” to tax havens.
Economic and financial plusses are only part of the story as to why tax havens should be defended. There is a moral aspect too.Economic and financial plusses are only part of the story as to why tax havens should be defended. There is a moral aspect too.
They offer financial refuge for those who live in nations where there is economic instability, leading to, for example, major currency volatility and out of control inflation; and/or where there is political unrest and persecution from government and the ruling classes.They offer financial refuge for those who live in nations where there is economic instability, leading to, for example, major currency volatility and out of control inflation; and/or where there is political unrest and persecution from government and the ruling classes.
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.45pm BSTat 1.45pm BST
1.21pm BST1.21pm BST
13:2113:21
Huang Shuxian, deputy secretary of China’s Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, the Communist party’s top anti-corruption body, says the country will sign up to the summit’s communique, which promises a transparent register of beneficial owners.Huang Shuxian, deputy secretary of China’s Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, the Communist party’s top anti-corruption body, says the country will sign up to the summit’s communique, which promises a transparent register of beneficial owners.
He says China wants to speed up criminal matters, extradition treaties and other methods of joint enforcement.He says China wants to speed up criminal matters, extradition treaties and other methods of joint enforcement.
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.44pm BSTat 1.44pm BST
1.12pm BST1.12pm BST
13:1213:12
Swiss foreign minister Didier Burkhalter says his government is committed better restitution for victims of corruption. He says there is £100m a day leaving developing countries due to corruption.Swiss foreign minister Didier Burkhalter says his government is committed better restitution for victims of corruption. He says there is £100m a day leaving developing countries due to corruption.
If the money comes to us, then we have to make every effort to return [it] to the right owners, to the people. That’s what the Swiss government wants to do, what we are trying to do already.If the money comes to us, then we have to make every effort to return [it] to the right owners, to the people. That’s what the Swiss government wants to do, what we are trying to do already.
Developed countries have already returned $5bn, and 40% of that has come from Switzerland.Developed countries have already returned $5bn, and 40% of that has come from Switzerland.
In doing so we have learned a lot, it is a partnership. There is strong political will but it is very difficult to achieve [practically]. We have to know it [the assets] will come, at the end, to the people.In doing so we have learned a lot, it is a partnership. There is strong political will but it is very difficult to achieve [practically]. We have to know it [the assets] will come, at the end, to the people.
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.23pm BSTat 1.23pm BST
12.58pm BST12.58pm BST
12:5812:58
Afghanistan's president calls corruption 'enabler of political violence'Afghanistan's president calls corruption 'enabler of political violence'
Ashraf Ghani, the Afghan president, says there has to be a rule of law-based approach that tackles the impunity of those companies and structures favoured by “the rules of the game”. He says corruption in Afghanistan is an enabler of political violence.Ashraf Ghani, the Afghan president, says there has to be a rule of law-based approach that tackles the impunity of those companies and structures favoured by “the rules of the game”. He says corruption in Afghanistan is an enabler of political violence.
We have to have the courage to name the problem. If there is no national ownership and constant denial or blame games, we are not going to get anywhere.We have to have the courage to name the problem. If there is no national ownership and constant denial or blame games, we are not going to get anywhere.
Ghani says one key thing needed is credible international partners, in particular with drug trafficking, which flows through Europe from Afghanistan.Ghani says one key thing needed is credible international partners, in particular with drug trafficking, which flows through Europe from Afghanistan.
We are asking you and all of Europe to go after drug money, we need very credible action because as long as the criminal economy persists, the networks, the actions we do [will not work].We are asking you and all of Europe to go after drug money, we need very credible action because as long as the criminal economy persists, the networks, the actions we do [will not work].
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.05pm BSTat 1.05pm BST
12.50pm BST12.50pm BST
12:5012:50
Cameron says powers to protect whistleblowers is an important step that needs to be taken.Cameron says powers to protect whistleblowers is an important step that needs to be taken.
He says asset recovery needs additional powers, being announced today by 21 countries. There will be a new global forum for asset recovery, but Cameron also wants to work on disbarring corrupt companies from operating internationally.He says asset recovery needs additional powers, being announced today by 21 countries. There will be a new global forum for asset recovery, but Cameron also wants to work on disbarring corrupt companies from operating internationally.
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.06pm BSTat 1.06pm BST
12.47pm BST12.47pm BST
12:4712:47
The next session is chaired by David Cameron on ‘How do we tackle corruption’. He says he wants this to be focused on punishing the corrupt, redress for victims, and how to break the cycle of poverty and corruption.The next session is chaired by David Cameron on ‘How do we tackle corruption’. He says he wants this to be focused on punishing the corrupt, redress for victims, and how to break the cycle of poverty and corruption.
Speakers on the panel areSpeakers on the panel are
The sessions seem to be running about 40 minutes behind schedule at the moment.The sessions seem to be running about 40 minutes behind schedule at the moment.
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.48pm BSTat 12.48pm BST
12.41pm BST12.41pm BST
12:4112:41
Masahiko Shibayama, representing the government of Japan, says as a host country for the Rugby world cup and Olympics it will continue to work closely to improve transparency in sport and pledges to put anti-corruption at the heart of the G7 summit.Masahiko Shibayama, representing the government of Japan, says as a host country for the Rugby world cup and Olympics it will continue to work closely to improve transparency in sport and pledges to put anti-corruption at the heart of the G7 summit.
It’s a long-winded statement which also doesn’t touch on the alleged seven-figure payment from the Tokyo Olympic bid team to the son of Lamine Diack, the disgraced former world athletics chief.It’s a long-winded statement which also doesn’t touch on the alleged seven-figure payment from the Tokyo Olympic bid team to the son of Lamine Diack, the disgraced former world athletics chief.
12.35pm BST12.35pm BST
12:3512:35
The Guardian’s Juliette Garside, one of the team on the Panama Papers, says pressure is building on British Virgin Islands over its stance on sharing beneficial owner information.The Guardian’s Juliette Garside, one of the team on the Panama Papers, says pressure is building on British Virgin Islands over its stance on sharing beneficial owner information.
Cayman, Jersey and Bermuda signed up to sharing beneficial owner information, and Guernsey in due course - that leaves BVI isolatedCayman, Jersey and Bermuda signed up to sharing beneficial owner information, and Guernsey in due course - that leaves BVI isolated
12.31pm BST12.31pm BST
12:3112:31
Chris Holmes, the Paralympic swimmer, says there must be more athlete-centred governance in sport, which will help avert corruption.Chris Holmes, the Paralympic swimmer, says there must be more athlete-centred governance in sport, which will help avert corruption.
Whether it’s grassroots, through to governance, the changing room to the board room, athletes have to be at the centre of sport. Every decision needs to pass that test, is it athletes at the heart of that decision?Whether it’s grassroots, through to governance, the changing room to the board room, athletes have to be at the centre of sport. Every decision needs to pass that test, is it athletes at the heart of that decision?
I believe we have one simple question for every sporting body to ask itself, every second of every day, will this make a better experience for the athlete?I believe we have one simple question for every sporting body to ask itself, every second of every day, will this make a better experience for the athlete?
Will it enable them to fulfil their potential? If it won’t, why are we doing it?Will it enable them to fulfil their potential? If it won’t, why are we doing it?
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.08pm BSTat 1.08pm BST
12.19pm BST12.19pm BST
12:1912:19
Sport's 'self-governance is not an excuse for bad governance'Sport's 'self-governance is not an excuse for bad governance'
The OECD’s Angel Gurria says sport being autonomous of government interference is no reason for corruption.The OECD’s Angel Gurria says sport being autonomous of government interference is no reason for corruption.
Self-governance is not an excuse for bad governance. We cannot have that as an excuse, because it affects public morale, credibility and the problem of trust that we are having.Self-governance is not an excuse for bad governance. We cannot have that as an excuse, because it affects public morale, credibility and the problem of trust that we are having.
12.15pm BST12.15pm BST
12:1512:15
This from the Guardian’s David Pegg on the reticence of the British Virgin Islands to sign up to the automatic exchange of beneficial ownership.This from the Guardian’s David Pegg on the reticence of the British Virgin Islands to sign up to the automatic exchange of beneficial ownership.
Cayman Islands signing up to automatic exchange of beneficial ownership is significant in one key respect - BVI is now effectively isolated…Cayman Islands signing up to automatic exchange of beneficial ownership is significant in one key respect - BVI is now effectively isolated…
@davidtpegg … in holding out against transparency. A Cayman/BVI alliance led the OTs resistance to more transparency. BVI now on its own.@davidtpegg … in holding out against transparency. A Cayman/BVI alliance led the OTs resistance to more transparency. BVI now on its own.
12.13pm BST12.13pm BST
12:1312:13
Pâquerette Girard Zappelli, ethics director at the IOC said the committee had learnt a lot from the corruption scandal at Salt Lake City in 2002 and is now very proud of its ethics procedures.Pâquerette Girard Zappelli, ethics director at the IOC said the committee had learnt a lot from the corruption scandal at Salt Lake City in 2002 and is now very proud of its ethics procedures.
We are pushing all the other sports organisations, including Fifa, to achieve a similar level of good governance. It’s something that is very strong.We are pushing all the other sports organisations, including Fifa, to achieve a similar level of good governance. It’s something that is very strong.
However, she hasn’t yet addressed the alleged seven-figure payment from the Tokyo Olympic bid team to an account linked to the son of the disgraced former world athletics chief Lamine Diack, apparently made during Japan’s successful race to host the 2020 Games.However, she hasn’t yet addressed the alleged seven-figure payment from the Tokyo Olympic bid team to an account linked to the son of the disgraced former world athletics chief Lamine Diack, apparently made during Japan’s successful race to host the 2020 Games.
The suggestion that votes could have been bought is hugely embarrassing for the IOC.The suggestion that votes could have been bought is hugely embarrassing for the IOC.
UpdatedUpdated
at 1.10pm BSTat 1.10pm BST