Corruption in the UK is increasingly being recognized as a domestic issue, though it remains underreported in public discourse compared to overseas cases. 

While Hansard often frames corruption in terms of international bribery—especially involving UK companies abroad—the reality is that UK-based corruption is growing in scale and impact, particularly in areas like money laundering, political donations from foreign autocrats, and public procurement fraud. 

Money laundering through property and finance: The UK, especially London, is a global hub for illicit finance. The National Crime Agency estimates £100 billion in money laundering occurs annually in the UK, with vast sums flowing through property markets.  Over 35,000 London property titles are held by shell companies in British Overseas Territories like the British Virgin Islands and Jersey—jurisdictions known for secrecy and weak transparency. 

Political corruption and ‘pay for access’: A 2024 analysis by Simon Kuper highlights the near-total absence of laws governing political corruption in the UK. Politicians, especially within the Conservative Party, have accepted large donations from individuals linked to autocratic regimes—such as Russian oligarchs—without accountability.  High-profile figures like Boris Johnson and David Cameron have been linked to such donors, with no legal consequences. 

Public procurement scandals: During the Covid-19 pandemic, the UK government awarded billions in contracts without competition, often to firms with no track record.  Some contracts cost £800 per protective overall, and several were issued to dormant companies linked to senior government figures—raising serious concerns about cronyism and systemic risk. 

Institutional complacency: Despite strong anti-corruption legislation like the Bribery Act 2010 and tools like Unexplained Wealth Orders (UWOs), enforcement remains inconsistent.  The UK has seen few prosecutions for foreign bribery despite being a global leader in anti-corruption law.  The OECD has repeatedly criticized the UK for weak implementation and lack of accountability. 

Structural issues: The UK’s lack of a codified constitution, combined with secrecy in offshore territories, allows for legal flexibility that benefits the wealthy.  As noted by Transparency International, British territories act as “smuggling holes” for global corruption, enabling kleptocrats to launder stolen funds while shielding the UK government from blame. 

In short, UK-based corruption is not absent—it is systemic, hidden, and often enabled by legal loopholes and political impunity.  The focus on overseas corruption in Hansard reflects a long-standing narrative, but recent evidence shows that the UK is both a source and a sanctuary for global corruption.