Cameron’s crusade to wipe out ‘cancer’ of corruption

The prime minister will use the summit in Germany to call for a global effort to stamp out corruption, arguing that it is holding back economic growth and human development.

He will condemn an international “taboo” on revealing corrupt institutions – saying that corruption allegations against Fifa have shown how shining a spotlight on an organisation can prompt it to clean up its activities.

We have seen the stark truth about Fifa David Cameron

Mr Cameron placed corruption at the heart of the UK’s agenda for its presidency of the G7 in 2013, and will this year cite estimates from the World Bank that corruption adds 10 per cent to business costs worldwide, with bribes worth £1trn paid every year.

‘Global problem’

Seven of the 10 most corrupt countries in sub-Saharan Africa are also in the bottom 10 on the human development index. Infant mortality is twice as high in countries with the most corruption as in those with the least.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) believes corruption costs around 5 per cent of global GDP annually, while in developing countries it can add 25 per cent to the cost of procurement, Mr Cameron will say.

Corruption is the cancer at the heart of so many of the problems we face David Cameron

“In the last fortnight we have seen the stark truth about Fifa,” Mr Cameron will say. “The body governing football has faced appalling allegations.”

“And [Sepp] Blatter’s resignation this week presents an opportunity to clean up the game we love. It is also an opportunity to learn a broader lesson about tackling corruption.

“Just as with Fifa, we know the problem is there but there is something of an international taboo over pointing the finger and stirring up concerns. At international summits, leaders meet to talk about aid, economic growth and how to keep our people safe.

“But we just don’t talk enough about corruption. This has got to change. We have to show some of the same courage that exposed Fifa and break the taboo on talking about corruption.

“Corruption is the cancer at the heart of so many of the problems we face around the world today. It doesn’t just threaten our prosperity, it also undermines our security.

The two-day gathering starting on Sunday is hosted by Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel in the Bavarian Alps.

It will be attended by Mr Cameron, US President Barack Obama, French President Francois Hollande, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, Canadian premier Stephen Harper and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Climate change and sustainable development are at the top of the agenda for the annual summit of the world’s leading industrialised economies.

It will also focus on growth, security and the threat from terrorism and disease epidemics.