MP says legislation needs tightening to combat money laundering and fraud
John Baron MP has today signed up to amendments to the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill which will aid in efforts to crack down on the laundering of dirty money in the UK. John has signed a number of amendments which will allow for smarter regulation, tougher enforcement, maximum transparency, and clear accountability – without additional cost to the taxpayer.
Many of these amendments aim to toughen up Companies House criteria, resource the fight against economic crime and propose three sustainable ways to resource law enforcement as well as reforming corporate criminal liability laws and introducing a duty on sanctioned individuals to disclose all assets held in the UK. The amendments will also help to ensure the adequate protection of Whistleblowers and seek to end the continued abuse of our courts through Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs).
John said:
“For too long, over many decades, the UK and international community generally has been generally lax at ensuring probity when it comes to matters relating to economic finance and crime. This Bill provides an opportunity to put much of this right. I hope the Government will grasp the opportunity, accept the amendments so they can be discussed in the Lords, and do the right thing.”
“The amendments have been drafted by the cross party APPGs that specialise in this field led in many case by The Rt. Hon. Dame Margaret Hodge. There are other amendments which are more political which I am not supporting.”
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Date: 23rd January 2023
Notes to Editors
John has signed up to NC16, NC17, NC18, 101, 102, 103, NC20, NC21, NC4, NC5, NC6, NC23, NC19 and NC25.
The Bill will be debated tomorrow and Wednesday.