‘Kitemark’ for firms aims to fight corruption

A new “kitemark” to fight corruption that blights billions of lives in the Third World was launched in London today.

The award will be given to organisations and firms that uphold high standards against bribery, initially in the Commonwealth but planned to go global.

It was unveiled by Baroness Scotland, the new Secretary General of the Commonwealth, in her first major speech in charge of the influential organisation that unites Britain and 52 former colonies.

“Every dollar lost to corruption is a dollar lost to investing in a child’s education, healthcare or much needed infrastructure,” she told a conference in central London.

“People living healthy, safe and fulfilling lives is the ultimate goal any country could hope for. Corruption and fraud undermines this and destroys lives.”

Baroness Scotland said the “Commonwealth Advantage”, a 19 per cent trade boost within the family of nations, was a huge incentive for bodies to sign up.