Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Bill

Debate between Baroness Kramer and Baroness Bloomfield of Hinton Waldrist

Committee stage
Monday 14th March 2022 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Bloomfield of Hinton Waldrist (Con)]

Sorry; I misunderstood.

It is right and proper that the Government review the whistleblowing framework once we have had sufficient time to build the necessary evidence of the impact of the most recent reforms. We acknowledge that an effective whistleblowing framework is an important part of the UK’s ability to tackle corruption and all forms of economic crime and illicit finance. These acts are, by their nature, often covert. The Government are committed to ensuring that individuals are able to speak up about the behaviour of bad actors.

In recent years the Government have continued to improve the whistleblowing framework, and we will continue to do so in future. It is important that whistleblowing disclosures are dealt with properly and by the right body. This is why BEIS maintains and regularly updates the prescribed persons order. Officials work closely with other government departments, the devolved Administrations and regulators to ensure the list is up to date. I can assure noble Lords that this work is ongoing, and we will continue to improve the whistleblowing framework in the near future.

With that, I ask the noble Baroness to withdraw her amendment.

[Baroness Kramer (LD)]

Obviously, I am very disappointed with the answer and the ongoing complacency that undermines the legislation we are passing, but at this point in time I beg leave to withdraw the amendment.