A study by Spotlight on Corruption found that UK ministers and officials accepted hospitality packages over 3,500 times between Q1 2019 and Q2 2024. The firms providing these perks also frequently engaged with government departments, particularly in the Treasury. Notable cases involve HSBC and Barclays, which not only offered gifts but also held the most meetings. The issue resurfaced recently when Labour ministers faced backlash for accepting complimentary event tickets. This study underscores the ethical complexities and potential influence of corporate hospitality on governance.
The research highlights the troubling intertwining of hospitality and access, revealing that key government departments have accepted gifts that may influence decision-making.
With over 3,500 instances of hospitality over five years, it underscores how corporations use perks to foster relationships with government officials for potential advantages.
The issue of accepting hospitality has intensified scrutiny, especially following criticism of Labour MPs like Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves for their use of free tickets.
Senior Treasury officials notably accepted multiple instances of hospitality from HSBC and Barclays, raising concerns over the ethics of corporate influence in government.
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