Security Minister’s statement at UN Convention Against Corruption 

Dan Jarvis shares statement with UNCAC on UK’s efforts in and ongoing commitment to combating corruption 

‘Corruption remains one of the most corrosive forces in our world,’ says UK Security Minister Dan Jarvis in a new statement to the UN Convention Against Corruption, issued today. Corruption, he says, ‘undermines growth, threatens national and international security, hinders global development and prosperity.’ 

Photo by Jesus Monroy Lazcano / Unsplash

The statement goes on to detail what the UK government is doing to take action on corruption. As set out in the new, five-year UK Anti-Corruption Strategy 2025 (published on December 8), that includes increased use of sanctions against corrupt actors and strengthened tools to pursue professional enablers of corruption. 

Indeed, the new strategy itself includes 123 commitments across government that between them aim to combat corrupt actors and their funds in the UK and overseas, tackle vulnerabilities to corruption in the UK and build global resilience to corruption. 

The statement mentions the new Domestic Corruption Unit, based in the City of London Police, which unites national and local law enforcement to bring corrupt individuals to justice. This is being done though proactive investigation using enhanced intelligence development capabilities. 

The statement also looks forward to further initiatives. In 2026, the UK will host a Countering Illicit Finance Summit, at which a diverse coalition of governments and organisations will convene to forge new partnerships and secure commitments to strengthen the implementation and enforcement of global standards on illicit finance. 

The Minister’s statement was issued to coincide with the start of the 11th Conference of States Parties of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, hosted in Qatar. 

UNCAC is significant as it is the only legally binding universal anti-corruption instrument, reflecting a shared commitment by countries to fight corruption.  

This month marks the 20th anniversary of UNCAC entering into force. As of September this year, there are 140 signatories and 192 parties to UNCAC. For more information, see the UNCAC factsheet. 

Dan Jarvis MP, Minister of State for Security, says: ‘Corruption … fuels conflict and instability overseas, driving organised crime, illegal migration and other threats that reach our shores. We must do more. And we must do it together.’