Prof Robert Barrington
@csc-barrington.bsky.social
Professor at Centre for the Study of Corruption; ex UK head of TI; UK govt adviser. BVI News: ‘Who is this punk Barrington?’ ‘Thug in a suit.’ ‘Needs to stfu.’
Reposted by Prof Robert Barrington
To negotiate a trade deal with the President of the United States, the Swiss government arrived with a "special Rolex desktop clock" and "a 1-kilogram personalized gold bar"
www.axios.com/2025/11/14/t...
www.axios.com/2025/11/14/t...
How to lobby Trump with Swiss precision: gifts, gold and gab
How the Swiss broke a diplomatic logjam on tariffs by arriving with tributes fit for a king.
www.axios.com
November 15, 2025 at 7:07 PM
To negotiate a trade deal with the President of the United States, the Swiss government arrived with a "special Rolex desktop clock" and "a 1-kilogram personalized gold bar"
www.axios.com/2025/11/14/t...
www.axios.com/2025/11/14/t...
Reposted by Prof Robert Barrington
Today’s #GIACEseminar was a lively dive into how illicit finance is reshaping tourism and hospitality.
Thank you to Jean-Patrick Villeneuve, @ofabianobomfim.bsky.social, Dieter Zinnbauer, @lizdavidbarrett.bsky.social and all the participants who joined!
Learn more: bit.ly/corruptionin...
Thank you to Jean-Patrick Villeneuve, @ofabianobomfim.bsky.social, Dieter Zinnbauer, @lizdavidbarrett.bsky.social and all the participants who joined!
Learn more: bit.ly/corruptionin...
November 13, 2025 at 1:58 PM
Today’s #GIACEseminar was a lively dive into how illicit finance is reshaping tourism and hospitality.
Thank you to Jean-Patrick Villeneuve, @ofabianobomfim.bsky.social, Dieter Zinnbauer, @lizdavidbarrett.bsky.social and all the participants who joined!
Learn more: bit.ly/corruptionin...
Thank you to Jean-Patrick Villeneuve, @ofabianobomfim.bsky.social, Dieter Zinnbauer, @lizdavidbarrett.bsky.social and all the participants who joined!
Learn more: bit.ly/corruptionin...
Reposted by Prof Robert Barrington
Crises like pandemics, cholera outbreaks & climate disasters don’t just strain health systems — they amplify corruption risks.
New #GIACE blog by Claudia Baez Camargo & @dinabalabanova.bsky.social explores how overlapping emergencies in Malawi opened space for corruption.
🔗 bit.ly/BaselGIACEBlog
New #GIACE blog by Claudia Baez Camargo & @dinabalabanova.bsky.social explores how overlapping emergencies in Malawi opened space for corruption.
🔗 bit.ly/BaselGIACEBlog
Addressing Corruption in Crises Matters: Towards effective crisis-responses in the Malawian health system - Governance & Integrity Anti-Corruption Evidence
bit.ly
November 6, 2025 at 11:49 AM
Crises like pandemics, cholera outbreaks & climate disasters don’t just strain health systems — they amplify corruption risks.
New #GIACE blog by Claudia Baez Camargo & @dinabalabanova.bsky.social explores how overlapping emergencies in Malawi opened space for corruption.
🔗 bit.ly/BaselGIACEBlog
New #GIACE blog by Claudia Baez Camargo & @dinabalabanova.bsky.social explores how overlapping emergencies in Malawi opened space for corruption.
🔗 bit.ly/BaselGIACEBlog
Reposted by Prof Robert Barrington
🚨The Nov GI ACE Newsletter is out!
From real estate money laundering to sanctions evasion & a new blog on anti-money-laundering in the Global South — explore the latest from the GI ACE network.
🔗Read: bit.ly/GIACENewsletter_7
🔗SUB: bit.ly/NewsletterSUB
From real estate money laundering to sanctions evasion & a new blog on anti-money-laundering in the Global South — explore the latest from the GI ACE network.
🔗Read: bit.ly/GIACENewsletter_7
🔗SUB: bit.ly/NewsletterSUB
Governance & Integrity Anti-Corruption Evidence Programme (Uni. of Sussex)
Governance & Integrity Anti-Corruption Evidence Programme (Uni. of Sussex) Email Forms
bit.ly
November 6, 2025 at 3:43 PM
🚨The Nov GI ACE Newsletter is out!
From real estate money laundering to sanctions evasion & a new blog on anti-money-laundering in the Global South — explore the latest from the GI ACE network.
🔗Read: bit.ly/GIACENewsletter_7
🔗SUB: bit.ly/NewsletterSUB
From real estate money laundering to sanctions evasion & a new blog on anti-money-laundering in the Global South — explore the latest from the GI ACE network.
🔗Read: bit.ly/GIACENewsletter_7
🔗SUB: bit.ly/NewsletterSUB
Reposted by Prof Robert Barrington
📢 CSC Seminar: From London to “Dubai-Kong” (1980–2024)
🗓 Mon 27 Oct, 12:00–13:00 UK | Online
How US-sanctioned networks shifted from Western hubs to a Dubai–Hong Kong axis.
Speaker: Daniel Haberly | Discussant: Tom Keatinge | Chair:
@csc-barrington.bsky.social
Register Here: bit.ly/CSC2webinar
🗓 Mon 27 Oct, 12:00–13:00 UK | Online
How US-sanctioned networks shifted from Western hubs to a Dubai–Hong Kong axis.
Speaker: Daniel Haberly | Discussant: Tom Keatinge | Chair:
@csc-barrington.bsky.social
Register Here: bit.ly/CSC2webinar
October 21, 2025 at 9:25 AM
📢 CSC Seminar: From London to “Dubai-Kong” (1980–2024)
🗓 Mon 27 Oct, 12:00–13:00 UK | Online
How US-sanctioned networks shifted from Western hubs to a Dubai–Hong Kong axis.
Speaker: Daniel Haberly | Discussant: Tom Keatinge | Chair:
@csc-barrington.bsky.social
Register Here: bit.ly/CSC2webinar
🗓 Mon 27 Oct, 12:00–13:00 UK | Online
How US-sanctioned networks shifted from Western hubs to a Dubai–Hong Kong axis.
Speaker: Daniel Haberly | Discussant: Tom Keatinge | Chair:
@csc-barrington.bsky.social
Register Here: bit.ly/CSC2webinar
Reposted by Prof Robert Barrington
As it stands, the government has taken a piecemeal approach to standards reform
We need to see much more from Labour if it is to take meaningful steps to restore public trust in the political system, writes Transparency International UK's @danieljbruce.bsky.social
We need to see much more from Labour if it is to take meaningful steps to restore public trust in the political system, writes Transparency International UK's @danieljbruce.bsky.social
We need more than piecemeal reforms to ethics and standards
A few months into ‘phase two’ of Keir Starmer’s government, ministerial resignations and some uncomfortable headlines raise questions about how far...
www.politicshome.com
October 16, 2025 at 11:17 AM
As it stands, the government has taken a piecemeal approach to standards reform
We need to see much more from Labour if it is to take meaningful steps to restore public trust in the political system, writes Transparency International UK's @danieljbruce.bsky.social
We need to see much more from Labour if it is to take meaningful steps to restore public trust in the political system, writes Transparency International UK's @danieljbruce.bsky.social
Reposted by Prof Robert Barrington
🚨 Baroness Mone, the directors, and everyone involved in PPE Medpro have missed the deadline to repay the £122 million owed for supplying faulty PPE. Now the interest is mounting.
Every day they delay, the public pays.
My message is clear: pay back what you owe.
Every day they delay, the public pays.
My message is clear: pay back what you owe.
October 17, 2025 at 5:52 PM
🚨 Baroness Mone, the directors, and everyone involved in PPE Medpro have missed the deadline to repay the £122 million owed for supplying faulty PPE. Now the interest is mounting.
Every day they delay, the public pays.
My message is clear: pay back what you owe.
Every day they delay, the public pays.
My message is clear: pay back what you owe.
Reposted by Prof Robert Barrington
In opposition, Labour was quick to condemn the previous government’s ethical failures and pledge to clean up politics. It now has the chance to prove its commitment is more than campaign rhetoric.
@danieljbruce.bsky.social writes in @politicshome.bsky.social.
www.politicshome.com/opinion/arti...
@danieljbruce.bsky.social writes in @politicshome.bsky.social.
www.politicshome.com/opinion/arti...
We need more than piecemeal reforms to ethics and standards
A few months into ‘phase two’ of Keir Starmer’s government, ministerial resignations and some uncomfortable headlines raise questions about how far...
www.politicshome.com
October 16, 2025 at 12:20 PM
In opposition, Labour was quick to condemn the previous government’s ethical failures and pledge to clean up politics. It now has the chance to prove its commitment is more than campaign rhetoric.
@danieljbruce.bsky.social writes in @politicshome.bsky.social.
www.politicshome.com/opinion/arti...
@danieljbruce.bsky.social writes in @politicshome.bsky.social.
www.politicshome.com/opinion/arti...
Reposted by Prof Robert Barrington
Strong move from the new Foreign Secretary.
But it is shocking that fraudsters were able to hide behind shell companies in our own offshore territories, and then invest their ill-gotten gains in UK property.
It is time to drive dirty money out of our economy for good.
But it is shocking that fraudsters were able to hide behind shell companies in our own offshore territories, and then invest their ill-gotten gains in UK property.
It is time to drive dirty money out of our economy for good.
UK sanctions scam network ‘masterminds’ who bought London properties
Both men were born in China but hold Cambodian, Cypriot and Hong Kong citizenship.
www.independent.co.uk
October 14, 2025 at 3:33 PM
Strong move from the new Foreign Secretary.
But it is shocking that fraudsters were able to hide behind shell companies in our own offshore territories, and then invest their ill-gotten gains in UK property.
It is time to drive dirty money out of our economy for good.
But it is shocking that fraudsters were able to hide behind shell companies in our own offshore territories, and then invest their ill-gotten gains in UK property.
It is time to drive dirty money out of our economy for good.
Reposted by Prof Robert Barrington
New on the CSC blog: the 4th post in our Tasmania series by @robynlewis.bsky.social & Michael Johnston examines “quiet capture” and outlines reforms - independent ACA, stronger transparency/lobbying oversight, public-service capacity, meaningful participation. Read: bit.ly/Tasmania4
October 14, 2025 at 4:30 PM
New on the CSC blog: the 4th post in our Tasmania series by @robynlewis.bsky.social & Michael Johnston examines “quiet capture” and outlines reforms - independent ACA, stronger transparency/lobbying oversight, public-service capacity, meaningful participation. Read: bit.ly/Tasmania4
Reposted by Prof Robert Barrington
How big an impact will “minor reorganisation “ of UK ethics regulation bodies and the creation of advisory ethics commission with no enforcement powers have? Key question from @peterwalker99.bsky.social
Our evidence to Parliament warns real risk of not much.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Our evidence to Parliament warns real risk of not much.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Post-ministerial jobs watchdog closes as part of UK government ethics shake-up
Exclusive: Acoba’s functions split between two regulators and new Ethics and Integrity Commission to oversee others
www.theguardian.com
October 13, 2025 at 6:57 AM
How big an impact will “minor reorganisation “ of UK ethics regulation bodies and the creation of advisory ethics commission with no enforcement powers have? Key question from @peterwalker99.bsky.social
Our evidence to Parliament warns real risk of not much.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Our evidence to Parliament warns real risk of not much.
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Prof Robert Barrington
This could be a major decision in turning the tide on Putin and making sure he pays for his unlawful war of aggression.
I hope Germany, France & the UK can now repurpose frozen Russian state assets as soon as possible to keep Kyiv in the fight.
I hope Germany, France & the UK can now repurpose frozen Russian state assets as soon as possible to keep Kyiv in the fight.
UK, France and Germany unite to turn Russian assets into Ukraine aid
The G7 plan could unlock up to £250 billion for Kyiv by converting frozen Russian state funds into loans and military support
www.thetimes.com
October 10, 2025 at 8:38 PM
This could be a major decision in turning the tide on Putin and making sure he pays for his unlawful war of aggression.
I hope Germany, France & the UK can now repurpose frozen Russian state assets as soon as possible to keep Kyiv in the fight.
I hope Germany, France & the UK can now repurpose frozen Russian state assets as soon as possible to keep Kyiv in the fight.
Excellent from @richardmoorhead.bsky.social on aggressive defamation law firm's interactions with police, SRA and others when defending a client on FBI's most wanted list. If professional ethics fail, tough regulation is the only alternative. lawyerwatch.wordpress.com/2025/10/08/s...
SRA v Carter-Ruck, the stories begin to emerge
The Bureau of Investigative Journalism has written an extended piece on Carter-Ruck criticising them for “an increasingly aggressive strategy targeting one London [Police] officer” who was investig…
lawyerwatch.wordpress.com
October 9, 2025 at 8:26 PM
Excellent from @richardmoorhead.bsky.social on aggressive defamation law firm's interactions with police, SRA and others when defending a client on FBI's most wanted list. If professional ethics fail, tough regulation is the only alternative. lawyerwatch.wordpress.com/2025/10/08/s...
Reposted by Prof Robert Barrington
How do consulting giants enable state capture?
@lizdavidbarrett.bsky.social talks to @devipillay.co.za on McKinsey’s role in South Africa, drawing on the Zondo Commission.
🔗Listen: bit.ly/KBspotify138
🔗Paper: lnkd.in/eczS5NAM
#StateCapture #SouthAfrica #AntiCorruption
@lizdavidbarrett.bsky.social talks to @devipillay.co.za on McKinsey’s role in South Africa, drawing on the Zondo Commission.
🔗Listen: bit.ly/KBspotify138
🔗Paper: lnkd.in/eczS5NAM
#StateCapture #SouthAfrica #AntiCorruption
October 8, 2025 at 2:02 PM
How do consulting giants enable state capture?
@lizdavidbarrett.bsky.social talks to @devipillay.co.za on McKinsey’s role in South Africa, drawing on the Zondo Commission.
🔗Listen: bit.ly/KBspotify138
🔗Paper: lnkd.in/eczS5NAM
#StateCapture #SouthAfrica #AntiCorruption
@lizdavidbarrett.bsky.social talks to @devipillay.co.za on McKinsey’s role in South Africa, drawing on the Zondo Commission.
🔗Listen: bit.ly/KBspotify138
🔗Paper: lnkd.in/eczS5NAM
#StateCapture #SouthAfrica #AntiCorruption
Reposted by Prof Robert Barrington
“A pandemic was always going to be expensive. But we didn’t need to turn it into the profiteers charter that we did.”
📺 A new ITV documentary goes behind the scenes to reveal how government PPE contracts lined the pockets of businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Watch on @itvx.com now.
📺 A new ITV documentary goes behind the scenes to reveal how government PPE contracts lined the pockets of businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Watch on @itvx.com now.
September 26, 2025 at 2:14 PM
“A pandemic was always going to be expensive. But we didn’t need to turn it into the profiteers charter that we did.”
📺 A new ITV documentary goes behind the scenes to reveal how government PPE contracts lined the pockets of businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Watch on @itvx.com now.
📺 A new ITV documentary goes behind the scenes to reveal how government PPE contracts lined the pockets of businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Watch on @itvx.com now.
Reposted by Prof Robert Barrington
#Statecapture in South Africa wasn’t just politicians & the Guptas. Firms like McKinsey, Regiments & Trillian at Transnet & Eskom enabled inflated contracts & mismanagement.
#GIACE research by @devipillay.co.za shows how unchecked outsourcing weakens state capacity.
Read: bit.ly/consultants-...
#GIACE research by @devipillay.co.za shows how unchecked outsourcing weakens state capacity.
Read: bit.ly/consultants-...
September 23, 2025 at 4:01 PM
#Statecapture in South Africa wasn’t just politicians & the Guptas. Firms like McKinsey, Regiments & Trillian at Transnet & Eskom enabled inflated contracts & mismanagement.
#GIACE research by @devipillay.co.za shows how unchecked outsourcing weakens state capacity.
Read: bit.ly/consultants-...
#GIACE research by @devipillay.co.za shows how unchecked outsourcing weakens state capacity.
Read: bit.ly/consultants-...
Oh dear.
Woah. It's one thing for Trump to ban journalists from White House press conferences; it's another for Downing Street to do his bidding on UK soil.
Shame on Downing Street for going along with this. So much for being committed to a free press
September 18, 2025 at 9:22 PM
Oh dear.
Reposted by Prof Robert Barrington
Sussex Spark 2025: Is the UK Politically Corrupt?
Join us at Brighton Dome on 18 Sept for a public debate on the Nolan Principles and standards in public life.
Panel: @lizdavidbarrett.bsky.social,Becky Dobson Phillips, @suehawley.bsky.social, @drhannahwhite.bsky.social.
🎟️ Tickets: t.co/eQ90lgoToS
Join us at Brighton Dome on 18 Sept for a public debate on the Nolan Principles and standards in public life.
Panel: @lizdavidbarrett.bsky.social,Becky Dobson Phillips, @suehawley.bsky.social, @drhannahwhite.bsky.social.
🎟️ Tickets: t.co/eQ90lgoToS
September 17, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Sussex Spark 2025: Is the UK Politically Corrupt?
Join us at Brighton Dome on 18 Sept for a public debate on the Nolan Principles and standards in public life.
Panel: @lizdavidbarrett.bsky.social,Becky Dobson Phillips, @suehawley.bsky.social, @drhannahwhite.bsky.social.
🎟️ Tickets: t.co/eQ90lgoToS
Join us at Brighton Dome on 18 Sept for a public debate on the Nolan Principles and standards in public life.
Panel: @lizdavidbarrett.bsky.social,Becky Dobson Phillips, @suehawley.bsky.social, @drhannahwhite.bsky.social.
🎟️ Tickets: t.co/eQ90lgoToS
Reposted by Prof Robert Barrington
This is actually really big and very welcome. Unannounced amidst yesterday’s Hillsborough Law are new provisions to upgrade the UK’s archaic misconduct in public office offence. Big win for @spotlightcorruption.org. Here’s our analysis @bricksilk.bsky.social @csc-barrington.bsky.social
🚨 Will politicians *finally* face real risk of prosecution? The new draft #HillsboroughLaw completely rewrites the UK’s misconduct in public office laws. This is a big win for @spotlightcorruption.org which has campaigned for several years to get this done.
Will politicians finally face real risk of prosecution? Spotlight welcomes new clauses to tackle corruption in Duty of Candour Bill - Spotlight on Corruption
The focus on yesterday’s introduction of the proposed Hillsborough Law has largely been about ensuring those in public office tell the truth and are
www.spotlightcorruption.org
September 17, 2025 at 12:54 PM
This is actually really big and very welcome. Unannounced amidst yesterday’s Hillsborough Law are new provisions to upgrade the UK’s archaic misconduct in public office offence. Big win for @spotlightcorruption.org. Here’s our analysis @bricksilk.bsky.social @csc-barrington.bsky.social
Reposted by Prof Robert Barrington
#GIACE hosted our Mid-Year Conference (8–9 Sept) with researchers, Fellows, FCDO & CSO partners.
Day 1 featured multiple panels on research themes, ending with a roundtable on the Changing Global Order.
Day 2 focused on impact - turning research into real-world solutions and more.
bit.ly/giaceconf
Day 1 featured multiple panels on research themes, ending with a roundtable on the Changing Global Order.
Day 2 focused on impact - turning research into real-world solutions and more.
bit.ly/giaceconf
September 10, 2025 at 2:04 PM
#GIACE hosted our Mid-Year Conference (8–9 Sept) with researchers, Fellows, FCDO & CSO partners.
Day 1 featured multiple panels on research themes, ending with a roundtable on the Changing Global Order.
Day 2 focused on impact - turning research into real-world solutions and more.
bit.ly/giaceconf
Day 1 featured multiple panels on research themes, ending with a roundtable on the Changing Global Order.
Day 2 focused on impact - turning research into real-world solutions and more.
bit.ly/giaceconf
Reposted by Prof Robert Barrington
New #GIACE blog by @csc-barrington.bsky.social asks: are lawyers upholding justice - or enabling kleptocrats?
Recent research shows the long-standing “access to justice” defence is being challenged by ethicists, political scientists, and even lawyers themselves.
Read: bit.ly/RBEnablersblog
Recent research shows the long-standing “access to justice” defence is being challenged by ethicists, political scientists, and even lawyers themselves.
Read: bit.ly/RBEnablersblog
Are ‘professional enablers’ providing access to justice? - Governance & Integrity Anti-Corruption Evidence
bit.ly
September 3, 2025 at 1:44 PM
New #GIACE blog by @csc-barrington.bsky.social asks: are lawyers upholding justice - or enabling kleptocrats?
Recent research shows the long-standing “access to justice” defence is being challenged by ethicists, political scientists, and even lawyers themselves.
Read: bit.ly/RBEnablersblog
Recent research shows the long-standing “access to justice” defence is being challenged by ethicists, political scientists, and even lawyers themselves.
Read: bit.ly/RBEnablersblog
Reposted by Prof Robert Barrington
What has happened in American politics could easily happen in the UK too, writes @davidallengreen.bsky.social.
The UK constitution is more vulnerable than the US constitution
In the face of an illiberal, radical assault, what has happened politically in America could easily happen in the UK
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk
August 28, 2025 at 4:40 PM
What has happened in American politics could easily happen in the UK too, writes @davidallengreen.bsky.social.
Reposted by Prof Robert Barrington
🗣️ "This creates concerning opportunities for corporate interests to influence policy without public scrutiny.”
@rosewhiff.bsky.social warned @thetimes.com that the Parliamentary Knowledge Scheme could create conflicts of interest between businesses and MPs.
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
@rosewhiff.bsky.social warned @thetimes.com that the Parliamentary Knowledge Scheme could create conflicts of interest between businesses and MPs.
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
Lindsay Hoyle backs scheme accused of selling access to MPs
The Commons speaker is patron of the Parliamentary Knowledge Scheme, which solicits donations from businesses for the chance to ‘engage’ with politicians
www.thetimes.com
August 14, 2025 at 8:30 AM
🗣️ "This creates concerning opportunities for corporate interests to influence policy without public scrutiny.”
@rosewhiff.bsky.social warned @thetimes.com that the Parliamentary Knowledge Scheme could create conflicts of interest between businesses and MPs.
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
@rosewhiff.bsky.social warned @thetimes.com that the Parliamentary Knowledge Scheme could create conflicts of interest between businesses and MPs.
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
Reposted by Prof Robert Barrington
‼️The fact that Labour accepted £40k from a convicted criminal underlines the urgent need for a new law to make political parties check the source of their donations. A basic criminal record check would have made the party think twice about accepting the donation in the first place.
Labour kicked out a violent criminal — then accepted his £40,000
Abdul Sattar Shere-Mohammod donated to the national party and three local campaigns in Hampshire after being found guilty of assault in 2022
www.thetimes.com
August 11, 2025 at 11:34 AM
‼️The fact that Labour accepted £40k from a convicted criminal underlines the urgent need for a new law to make political parties check the source of their donations. A basic criminal record check would have made the party think twice about accepting the donation in the first place.
Reposted by Prof Robert Barrington
Read the new blog by @devipillay.co.za for @giace.bsky.social!
New blog by @devipillay.co.za: As Bain leaves South Africa, what have we learned about consultancies & corruption?
Read: bit.ly/DeviBainblog
📅 On 23 September 2025, we’ll publish our new paper: Consulting firms, corruption & state capture: A case study from South Africa (Follow to get it first!)
Read: bit.ly/DeviBainblog
📅 On 23 September 2025, we’ll publish our new paper: Consulting firms, corruption & state capture: A case study from South Africa (Follow to get it first!)
As Bain leaves South Africa, what have we learned about consultancies and corruption? - Governance & Integrity Anti-Corruption Evidence
bit.ly
August 8, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Read the new blog by @devipillay.co.za for @giace.bsky.social!