A senior Labour MP has issued a stark warning that corruption is not confined to high-profile scandals but is 'hiding in plain sight' on Britain's high streets, directly impacting taxpayers and legitimate businesses.
From PPE Scandals to Shady Shops
Joe Powell, the Labour MP for Kensington and Bayswater and a veteran anti-corruption campaigner, stated that the 'fleecing of the taxpayer' associated with figures like Baroness Michelle Mone and PPE Medpro is not an isolated incident. He argues that corrupt practices are woven into the everyday economy, from dodgy shops to the stashing of illicit funds in British overseas territories.
"If only Baroness Mone and PPE Medpro's fleecing of the taxpayer was a one-off, but the truth is corruption is also hiding in plain sight on our high streets," Powell told The Mirror. "Tax evasion and money laundering are driving the dodgy shops that have popped up across the country."
Britain's Declining Corruption Score
The urgency of the issue is underscored by data from Transparency International. Their Corruption Perceptions Index shows the UK's score has fallen 11 points in seven years, from 82 in 2017 to 71 in 2024. The country is now classified as a 'significant decliner' in the global fight against corruption.
Powell emphasised the tangible consequences: "Corruption is not an abstract problem. It hurts our high streets, wastes taxpayers' money and erodes trust in our politics." This comes as the Mirror revealed that Covid fraud and error under the Conservatives cost the taxpayer £10.9 billion.
Government Crackdown and International Summit
The warnings come ahead of the publication of the Government's new Anti-Corruption Strategy on Monday, 8 December 2025, coordinated by the Home Office and Deputy Prime Minister’s Office. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has already announced budget measures targeting illegal vape sales and businesses like car washes and nail bars that flout employment and tax laws.
Furthermore, the government has announced it will host a major international illicit finance summit in summer 2026. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper stated: "Dirty money fuels crime on the streets of the UK and drives conflict and instability overseas. This government is committed to turning the tide."
Powell called for specific action to stop the 'stashing dirty money in British tax havens', notably the British Virgin Islands, stating it should be a "top priority". The campaigner praised the Labour government's initial steps but stressed the need for rapid and effective action to restore public trust and cleanse the economy of illicit funds.
