This Library Note provides background reading for the debate on the UK’s record on legislation regarding bribery, tax avoidance, corruption and money laundering.
Debate on 17 March: Bribery, Tax Avoidance, Corruption and Money Laundering (765 KB , PDF)
This Library Note provides statistics on bribery, tax avoidance, corruption and money laundering in the UK, provides an overview of legislation and policy in these areas and outlines various perspectives on the UK’s record on legislation.
Debate on 17 March: Bribery, Tax Avoidance, Corruption and Money Laundering (765 KB , PDF)
The crown court backlog reached a record high of 73,105 cases in September 2024. The impact on victims, witnesses and defendants has been significant as they wait longer for their cases to be resolved. The government commissioned an independent review of criminal courts that will produce reform recommendations to address crown court pressures. Whilst stakeholders have welcomed the review, some have called for more immediate action to reduce the backlog.
In the 2021 ‘End-to-end rape review’, the Conservative government pointed to a sharp decrease in rape prosecutions since 2016/17. Issues cited include long delays during the criminal justice process and a lack of specialist support for victims. Labour’s 2024 general election manifesto argued prosecutions were “shamefully low”. It committed to specialist rape and sexual offences teams in every police force and specialist courts to fast-track rape cases.
The Regulated and Other Activities (Mandatory Reporting of Child Sexual Abuse) Bill [HL] is a private member’s bill introduced by Baroness Grey-Thompson (Crossbench). It received its first reading on 29 July 2024 and is scheduled to have its second reading in the House of Lords on 17 January 2025.
![Regulated and Other Activities (Mandatory Reporting of Child Sexual Abuse) Bill [HL]: HL Bill 9 of 2024–25](https://lordslibrary.parliament.uk/content/uploads/sites/2/2020/09/Crime-568x426.png)