MPs debate amendments on new anti-corruption and money laundering measures

MPs have considered the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill, the government’s big new anti-corruption and money laundering measure.

Kevin Hollinrake, the minister who has taken charge of the legislation, opened the debate. He said: “I know that we all agree with the core ambition of this bill to bear down on kleptocrats, criminals and terrorists who abuse our open economy, and critically to strengthen the UK reputation as a place where legitimate business can thrive”.

Labour MP Dame Margaret Hodge led calls to beef up the legislation. She said: “This could be legislation which fundamentally transforms the landscape that has enabled economic crime to flourish in the UK. It could be the moment when we in Britain, through the decisions that we make here in the in Parliament, give a loud and very clear message to the world that there will be zero tolerance of money laundering, fraud and other economic crime in our country”.