Lords Bribery Act Committee calls for evidence on post-legislative inquiry

• Call for evidence
• Send a written submission
• Select Committee on the Bribery Act 2010

Background

It is seven years since the entry into force of the Bribery Act 2010. The Act established the two basic crimes of giving and receiving bribes, and created the crimes of bribery of foreign public officials, and of the failure of Commercial organisations to prevent bribery. Before the 2010 Act the law of bribery had not been substantially changed for nearly a century.

The Act applies only to conduct after its entry into force on 1 July 2011. Although there are still prosecutions under the earlier legislation for conduct prior to July 2011, the majority of corrupt conduct is now prosecuted under the Bribery Act. A number of cases have already reached the Court of Appeal. Now is an opportune moment for post-legislative scrutiny.

The inquiry

Among the issues the inquiry will examine are:

• The effectiveness of the Act;
• Whether there has been stricter prosecution of corrupt conduct, a higher conviction rate, and a reduction in such conduct;
• The impact of the Act on SMEs;
• Deferred Prosecution Agreements in relation to bribery

Committee Chairman

Chair of the Committee Lord Saville of Newdigate said:

"Concerns over whether the Bribery Act 2010 is effective need to be examined now. The Committee seeks to assess the effectiveness of the legislation and the impact it is having, as nearly all corrupt conduct is now prosecuted under it. The Committee will welcome submissions from people, organisations or businesses with experience of the Bribery Act 2010, and urges any persons and bodies that would like to be involved to send us their views."

Further information

• About Parliament: Select committees
• Visiting Parliament: Watch committees

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