Anti-corruption statement from professional bodies across the UK

The organisations, convened by the Law Society of England and Wales, include the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), STEP, Law Society of Northern Ireland, Law Society of Scotland, IFAC, ACCA, CIPFA, ICAS, Chartered Accountants Ireland, CIMA, ATT, AIA, CIOT, IAB, ICB, IPA, IFA and UK200.

They made their statement on the eve of the UK government-organised meeting saying they “deplored corruption and the significant harm it causes”.

They said: “For many years, professional bodies have worked alongside government, regulators, law enforcement and international bodies and supported our members to combat bribery, corruption, tax-evasion, money laundering and the financing of international terrorism. We will continue this work and provide support to facilitate national and international co-operation and to improve monitoring and enforcement systems.

“We deplore corruption and the significant harm it causes; we play a vital role in training, educating and supporting our professions to uphold the highest levels of integrity and ethical standards.”

Jonathan Smithers, president of the Law Society said: “The UK has a leading role to play in tackling this blight. We already have some of the toughest anti-money laundering rules, and the profession of solicitors along with accountants and others stand united against corruption in all its forms.”

Christine McLintock, president of the Law Society of Scotland, said: “We fully support this initiative. It’s important that we work alongside the UK government and our colleagues across the legal and financial sectors to ensure that UK is a hostile environment for anyone involved in fraud or corruption.

Michael Izza, ICAEW chief executive, said: “Corruption does not just enrich criminals, it does untold damage to society and business by undermining trust. This is why professional bodies work with national and international regulators and law enforcement to support our members’ efforts to combat all forms of financial crime. Today’s pledge is a commitment to continue that fight for the very highest standards of ethics and integrity.”

George Hodgson, deputy chief executive of STEP, said: “We recognise the importance that both governments and the general public attach to tackling corruption and money laundering. Enormous progress has been made recently. We look forward to continuing to work with governments and international bodies to develop and enforce practical and cost-effective international standards to tackle criminal abuse and to rebuild confidence in the international financial system.”

The UK government has invited the 20 member states of the G20 to the summit. US Secretary of State John Kerry is among those due to attend at the event in London today.