UK ministers need to ask why they are offered freebies and who loses out
Briefly

The article discusses the controversy surrounding UK ministers' acceptance of hospitality, emphasizing the disparity in access to political figures between businesses and charitable organizations. While ministers argue that hospitality is a benign aspect of political life, critics challenge this view, highlighting the underlying motivations of corporations seeking to build relationships with decision-makers. The Spotlight on Corruption report indicates that businesses enjoy significantly more access to key political figures than charities and third-sector groups, raising concerns about accountability and equity in political influence.
From their point of view, free tickets to concerts and sporting events are a paltry form of compensation for the disruption to their private lives that comes from being a frontline politician.
Businesses are getting 23 times more access than charities, consumer groups and third-sector organisations to ministers in five key departments and their predecessors.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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