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Articles by Alex Beatty
New Representation of the People Bill – Still far to go to protect UK democracy - Spotlight on Corruption
The Representation of the People Bill that the government published on 12 February is a historic opportunity to protect and enhance our democracy. Amidst the threat of foreign interference in our politics, with trust in politicians at rock bottom, and with big money sloshing through party coffers, the government needs to move beyond tinkering and embrace fundamental reform. The bill takes important steps towards addressing these issues.
Collapse of major bribery prosecution triggers review of disclosure in 20 SFO cases
12 February, 2026 | 3 minute read Today the Serious Fraud Office dropped a decade-old corruption case against former executives at London Mining PLC and their alleged ‘fixer’, exposing new problems with the agency’s legacy disclosure software and triggering a review of 20 other cases.
No more tinkering – root and branch reform of how politicians are held to account is now essential - Spotlight on Corruption
There is rightly huge public demand that Mandelson and those who saw fit to appoint him face meaningful accountability. But former Prime Minister, Gordon Brown’s intervention over the weekend that it must also lead to a rewiring of how political integrity is regulated and policed in the UK is absolutely spot on.
Mandelson’s misconduct – a moment of reckoning for the UK’s political establishment - Spotlight on Corruption
The Mandelson scandal must lead to a review of whether the new misconduct in public office offence in the Hillsborough Bill is robust enough, and urgent measures to ensure greater political integrity in public office and accountability for politicians. It is highly welcome that the Metropolitan police has swiftly opened an investigation into potential ‘misconduct in public office’ by Peter Mandelson in his relationship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
Legal regulator to foot hefty bill for pursuing Carter-Ruck partner in OneCoin crypto scam SLAPP case
2 February, 2026 | 2 minute read Today the Solicitors Regulation Authority has been told it is on the hook for more than half a million pounds in legal costs to Claire Gill, after the regulator’s SLAPPs case failed against the Carter-Ruck partner who acted for the $4 billion crypto-scam OneCoin. The legal watchdog referred Gill to the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal alleging she had made an “improper threat of litigation” in a letter sent to a victim of the scam who tried to warn others.
Alison-Madueke trial is “vital sign” of UK’s role in the global fight against corruption
The trial of Diezani Alison-Madueke, former Nigerian minister for petroleum resources, kicked off in London today. She stands accused of awarding government contracts worth millions to high-profile businessmen in return for bribes whilst she sat at the helm of Nigeria’s booming oil industry.
Spotlight is recruiting! We are looking for a Senior Communications Adviser
We are looking for a highly motivated and gifted communicator to craft Spotlight’s messages and help us achieve real change. You will be joining a small dedicated team of anti-corruption experts and campaigners for this busy, varied and multi-skilled role. We have a full programme of work for the year ahead with projects on illicit finance, political integrity, and corporate accountability for financial crime.
Just 28% of criminal assets frozen by law enforcement get permanently recovered, warns Spotlight
UK law enforcement agencies are struggling to make a dent in the huge sums of dirty money washing through the UK, and are permanently recovering just £1 in every £4 of suspected criminal assets frozen. This is despite the introduction of McMafia orders in 2017, and two new pieces of economic crime legislation in the past five years, according to a new report from Spotlight on Corruption.
Statement: Spotlight urges foreign interference review not to ignore broader risks
16 December, 2025 | 2 minute read It is highly welcome that the government has launched an independent review into foreign interference in our politics. We have long called for an inquiry into, and more transparency about, the scale and nature of such interference. This review could not come at a more crucial time after recent influence efforts by China and Russia have been exposed, and as the US has highlighted its intention to focus on “cultivating resistance” within European countries.
The Anti-Corruption Strategy: where are the commitments on political integrity?
12 December, 2025 | 6 minute read The Anti-Corruption Strategy – containing 120 commitments, spanning everything from tackling professional enablers to facilitating asset recovery – is undoubtedly welcome. Coming three years after the previous Anti-Corruption Strategy expired, it provides a vital reset and asserts meaningful global leadership.
UK illicit finance summit puts dirty gold in the spotlight – real reforms must follow - Spotlight on Corruption
8 December, 2025 | 8 minute read Ahead of International Anti-Corruption Day on 9 December, the UK’s Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper unveiled plans for the upcoming Illicit Finance Summit to be hosted by the UK on 23-24 June 2026. Bringing together leaders from a broad coalition of countries, the summit will prioritise collective action on three key themes: real estate, crypto, and gold.
Spotlight statement: New strategy a good step forward but needs urgency and concrete implementation
8 December, 2025 | 2 minute read Spotlight on Corruption strongly welcomes today’s publication of a new UK government anti-corruption strategy with a comprehensive and wide-ranging set of 120 commitments. As global anti-corruption norms slide, tackling corruption could not be more important to protecting our democracy.
SRA v Hurst: Nadhim Zahawi’s lawyer appeals decision in the SRA's first SLAPPs test case
Ashley Hurst of Osborne Clarke LLP is appealing against the decision of the Solicitor’s Disciplinary Tribunal that Hurst improperly attempted to restrict a tax lawyer from publishing correspondence revealing he was being threatened with legal action in relation to his scrutiny of Nadhim Zahawi’s tax affairs.
Nathan Gill bribery case shows UK is "soft target" for foreign interference
Today ex-Reform UK politician Nathan Gill became the first British politician to be sentenced for bribery in a landmark corruption case that has lifted the lid on the vulnerability of our politics to foreign influence operations. Gill was sentenced to 10 and a half years in prison by Justice Cheema-Grubb at the Old Bailey after admitting he took bribes in exchange for making pro-Russia speeches in the European Parliament in 2018 and 2019 when he was a member of the Brexit Party.
New tracker sheds light on the effectiveness of anti-money laundering supervision in the UK
A new tool tracking the progress of anti-money laundering (AML) supervision shines a light on the real weaknesses and inconsistencies in the current supervisory regime and underscores the urgency of reform. Bringing together data scattered across various official reports in one place for the first time, the tracker is designed to provide policymakers and the public with unique insights into how well AML supervision is working in the UK.
A super vision? FCA tapped to become anti-money laundering super-regulator
Today the Treasury announced long-awaited plans for a radical overhaul of the UK’s anti-money laundering (AML) supervisory regime which will see the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) step up as a super-regulator for the professional services. These welcome reforms will consolidate the supervision of lawyers, accountants and company formation agents for money laundering, bringing them within the FCA’s expanded regulatory remit as an AML regulator.
Spotlight welcomes "bold" decision to establish money laundering super-regulator but warns adequate funding crucial
Today HM Treasury has announced a major overhaul of how the UK will police money laundering regulations going forward. The Financial Conduct Authority is to take over responsibility from 22 different professional bodies for supervising lawyers and accountants. It will also take over responsibility from HMRC for supervising company formation agents for money laundering.
Secret SLAPP case damages public confidence in disciplinary action against lawyers
There were unprecedented scenes this week at the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal as the high-profile prosecution of lawyer Christopher Hutchings by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) was moved into private session. One day into the trial, members of the public and press were dramatically excluded from the Tribunal hearing while evidence of an alleged blackmail threat made by the Hamlins LLP solicitor against a journalist was heard behind closed doors.
Crypto donations: how to tackle the new dark money threat
The first-ever crypto donation to a UK political party has now been made, according to recent media reports. We don’t yet know the source or value of the donation. But it seems probable that Reform UK is the beneficiary as it is one of only two UK political parties, alongside the largely unheard of ‘The Other Party’ to have opened a crypto wallet.
New ethics watchdog a good start but serious gaps remain
Spotlight welcomes today’s official launch of the new Ethics and Integrity Commission but warns that there are serious gaps which means the body will face tough headwinds in its mission to drive up standards in UK public life and restore the public’s trust in our politics. We particularly welcome that some key recommendations we have made are reflected in the announcement.
Press release: Elections watchdog risks authoritarian capture if independence not restored
The independence of the Electoral Commission must be fully restored to safeguard the UK’s electoral integrity from a future authoritarian government, a new report released today by Spotlight on Corruption warns.
Nathan Gill bribery case shows real risks of foreign interference
Today’s guilty plea in the trial of Nathan Gill, Reform UK’s former leader in Wales, demonstrates the real risks of foreign interference and corruption in our politics. Appearing at the Old Bailey today, Gill admitted he accepted corrupt payments in exchange for making pro-Russia statements in 2018 and 2019 as a UKIP Member of the European Parliament. Gill also represented north Wales in the Welsh Parliament.
Will politicians finally face real risk of prosecution? Spotlight welcomes new clauses to tackle corruption in Duty of Candour Bill
The focus on yesterday’s introduction of the proposed Hillsborough Law has largely been about ensuring those in public office tell the truth and are transparent. But yesterday’s Bill – with the actual title of the Public Authorities (Accountability) Bill – also contains some highly welcome and largely untrumpeted provisions to increase accountability for abuse of public office and corruption.
Spotlight raises concerns about a whitewash as National Audit Office releases report on UK-Saudi military contracts
Today the National Audit Office has released a report into what controls the UK’s Ministry of Defence had in place on two key defence programmes with the Saudi Arabian government and gave it a clean bill of health.
Time for an environmental harms sanctions regime?
Around the world, criminals are profiting from environmental destruction, driving climate change, and getting away with it. Industrial-scale illegal gold mining by Chinese syndicates is destroying biodiversity and displacing communities from Ghana to French Guiana. Major producers in Indonesia of palm oil, pulp and paper products have committed to ending deforestation, but continue cutting down swathes of forests on the sly.
Spotlight is recruiting! We are looking for a Legal Fellow
We have an exciting opportunity for an emerging lawyer with exceptional writing and communication skills and a passion for fighting corruption and injustice, to join our small and growing team as a Legal Fellow. This one-year fellowship offers a unique springboard for an aspiring barrister or solicitor through its combination of practical legal experience (encompassing commercial, public and criminal litigation) and specialist policy exposure in the fields of economic crime and corruption.
Spotlight is recruiting! We are looking for a Senior Philanthropy and Partnership Manager
Spotlight on Corruption has an exciting opportunity for a passionate and creative individual with a flair for networking and a track record of bringing in funds for charitable causes to lead our fundraising programme. Now more than ever, powerful anti-corruption voices are needed in a fragmented world where democracy is under threat globally. Join our small, tenacious, driven and highly collaborative team, and be part of the anti-corruption movement creating a more hopeful future.
Spotlight is recruiting! We are looking for a Head of Finance and Operations
Spotlight on Corruption has an exciting opportunity for someone who identifies with Spotlight’s core mission of fighting corruption to join us in a critical role. We are looking for a highly numerate, super efficient, and enthusiastic Head of Finance and Operations with excellent budgeting skills, and strong people skills, who will be a core part of our senior management team.
New Ethics and Integrity Commission announced: Spotlight statement
Today’s announcement of a new Ethics and Integrity Commission must be the first step in a more ambitious upgrade of standards regulation that independent experts have long called for. Without further steps it risks failing to meet strong public demand for truly independent regulation of politicians’ behaviour.
Spotlight welcomes government action to protect UK elections but gaps remain
Spotlight on Corruption welcomes today’s publication of an elections strategy which sees the government commit to crucial reforms that will help protect our democracy from the risks of undue influence and foreign interference. Our recent briefing examined the various ways that foreign or hostile actors could hijack the next General Election. We are pleased to see that the strategy addresses several of the loopholes we raised and commits to closing them through an Elections Bill.
A strategic investment: The case for continuing governance and anti-corruption aid
In February 2025, the Prime Minister announced a major cut in UK aid – from 0.58% of gross national income (GNI) in 2023 to just 0.3% by 2027. As the government makes difficult decisions about what to keep or cut, it is crucial to recognise how governance and anti-corruption programmes can play a pivotal role in realising its foreign policy ambitions and why cutting them would be a mistake.
Press release: NGOs urge further accountability in UK-Malawi bribery case
Following bribery charges laid against British businessman Zuneth Sattar in a London court today, UK anti-corruption charity Spotlight on Corruption and Malawian NGO Youth and Society urged authorities in both countries to redouble their efforts to ensure robust accountability for alleged corruption.
The Covid-19 Inquiry and PPE: What have we learned so far?
What were the key lessons to emerge from the latest instalment of the Covid-19 Inquiry in March, which scrutinised the government’s approach to sourcing personal protective equipment (PPE)? From poor-decision making and VIP lanes, to billions spent on unusable or overpriced products, it was clear that the UK’s emergency response systems abjectly failed to cope under pressure.
RIP MIPO: introducing a new corruption in public office offence
Four years ago the Law Commission recommended a complete overhaul of the archaic misconduct in public office (MIPO) offence. The UK government has yet to provide a formal response to its central recommendation that a new corruption in public office offence be created. With growing public mistrust towards politicians, and a variety of scandals within high office that have led to a widespread sense that British politics is becoming more corrupt, the case for reform has never been stronger.
Spotlight Associate Justin Moore is running the Magna Carta Marathon to raise money for our work
On 7th June I will be running my first marathon along a peaceful stretch of the River Thames near the site where the treaty of Magna Carta was sealed by King John in 1215. Magna Carta is recognised as one of the most important documents in English history as it marked the road to individual freedom, parliamentary democracy and to the supremacy of law. Fittingly I am raising money for the fantastic anti-corruption charity Spotlight on Corruption (who I also volunteer for).
Will the SFO’s new “come dish your dirt” strategy work to tackle corporate crime?
The Serious Fraud Office’s new corporate guidance released today is a much needed and welcome part of the SFO’s new strategy to ramp up enforcement against corporate fraud and corruption. But will it work and what’s missing? There is no doubt that under its new director, Nick Ephgrave, the SFO has a new spring in its step. Last November it announced a new bribery investigation into French defence giant Thales.
Introducing Spotlight’s new Anti-Corruption Enforcement Tracker
Our recently launched anti-corruption enforcement tracker brings together public but hard-to-find data to shed light on the UK’s enforcement record against corruption and related economic crimes, which by one academic estimate cost the UK £350 billion a year. Spanning the last decade, the tracker includes data on prosecutions and convictions for key offences associated with corruption, namely: bribery, misconduct in public office (MIPO), money laundering, and fraud.
Conscious Objection | Alex Beatty
Peter Godfrey-Smith does well to take a closer look at the reception of Jakob von Uexküll’s Umwelt theory in recent books by Jackie Higgins and Ed Yong [“Visible and Invisible Worlds,” NYR, June 6], but like much recent critical engagement with Uexküll, his article decontexualizes the theory’s significance from his larger theory of meaning, which did change over the course of his fifty-year career—and notably during the Nazi period.
France and Ireland see ‘window’ to resolve post-Brexit dispute with UK
French President Emmanuel Macron and Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin believe there is “a crucial window of opportunity to resolve” post-Brexit trade disputes with London over Northern Ireland, according to an Irish statement issued after the pair met in Paris. The British region of Northern Ireland is locked in a political stalemate following disagreements over the Northern Ireland Protocol negotiated when the United Kingdom left the European Union.
Report lays bare Australia's 'sobering' climate challenge
Rising temperatures are fuelling widespread environmental degradation across Australia and supercharging natural disasters, according to a government report released Wednesday in the wake of flash floods on the country’s east coast. The State of the Climate report found global warming was also slowly melting Australia’s fragile alpine regions while contributing to ocean acidification and rising sea levels.
Sponsor Microsoft Partnering with Egypt's Big Oil Drive to ‘Increase’ Fossil Fuel Investments
Documents reveal Microsoft is working with the Egyptian Government to use COP27 to maximise fossil fuel exploitation – and the owners of the Daily Mail are helping them. Despite hosting the United Nations COP27 climate summit, the Egyptian Government is simultaneously partnering with the world’s biggest fossil fuel polluters in a bid to accelerate massive increases in oil and gas investments in the Middle East, North Africa and the Mediterranean, documents seen by Byline Times exclusively reveal.
Republicans pitched an economic solution. Now they'll have to deliver.
WASHINGTON — Central to Republicans pitch to voters in the midterm elections was a pledge to tackle high inflation and bolster the economy, but a GOP “civil war” is brewing over what policies could accomplish those goals. Having now secured some power — Republicans will control the House, NBC News projected on Wednesday — the party will have an ownership stake in the economy.
UK’s most secretive think tanks took £14.3m from mystery donors
The UK’s most secretive think tanks have raised more than £14m from mystery donors in the past two years, new analysis by openDemocracy has found. Among them are some of the most influential groups in UK politics. Think tanks often boast that they have driven changes to the law and economic policy, such as the tax cuts announced by Liz Truss that are blamed for tanking the UK economy earlier this year. We have rebooted the formerly volunteer-run Who Funds You?
Trade war threatens to overshadow EU-US summit
When senior European and American officials gather in Washington next month, there’s a lot they’re likely to agree on — from vaccines to artificial intelligence. Just don’t bring up subsidies for electric vehicles. A brewing transatlantic trade spat over the United States’ Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which provides hefty subsidies for people to buy homegrown cars, is overshadowing one of the core efforts to reset the relationship between Brussels and Washington in the post-Donald Trump era.
GDP is getting a makeover
The numbers are heading in the wrong direction. If the world continues on its current track, it will fall well short of achieving almost all of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that the United Nations set to protect the environment and end poverty and inequality by 2030. The projected grade for: Eliminating hunger: F. Ensuring healthy lives for all: F. Protecting and sustainably using ocean resources: F.
EU faces winter recession as war pummels the economy
The European Commission now expects the EU and euro area to contract in the last quarter of this year and first quarter of 2023, amounting to a technical recession, before returning to positive growth next spring. Growth forecasts for 2023 were slashed to 0.3 percent in both the EU and the euro area, a cut of over one percentage point from the previous estimates in July.
Can ‘the people’ solve climate change? France decided to find out.
At first, Sylvain Burquier thought it was a joke. It was August 2019, and Burquier and his two children were at their home in Paris’s Ninth Arrondissement, off the right bank of the River Seine, when his phone rang. It was a representative of the French government calling to ask if the then- 45-year-old marketing manager would participate in a political experiment.
Too poor to die: the rise of crowdfunded funerals
Amid soaring inflation, more families are having to turn to the kindness of strangers to shoulder the cost of dying. When Cerys Defis lost her mom, Tresi Davies, to bowel cancer in August 2021, it fell to her and her brother Aron to pay for the funeral. They couldn’t afford it. 24-year-old Cerys was studying for a master’s degree and caring for her mum. The Carer’s Allowance is no more than £67.25 a week, which hardly left room for her to save for a funeral.
High hopes for COP27, but warnings of disappointment
Since 1992, when world leaders first came together to address global warming, humanity has spewed more than one trillion tonnes of heat-trapping carbon dioxide from fossil fuels into the air. The world got 0.6 degrees Celsius (1.1 degrees Fahrenheit) hotter. Each year there are high hopes for the two-week United Nations climate gathering and, almost inevitably, disappointment when it does not deliver another landmark pact such as the one agreed on in 2015 in Paris.
Nurses set to strike in first ever national action - as patients braced for disruption
Nurses across the UK are set to strike in the first ever national action over a pay dispute. The strike ballot among more than 300,000 members of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) was the biggest ever in the union’s 106-year history. Although counting is still under way, it is understood that RCN officials believe enough members have voted for winter industrial action which is set to take place within a few weeks, possibly before Christmas.
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