Today Ken Clarke is visiting Bucharest. Ken Clarke is one of the biggest figures in British politics. He is now Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, and in his long political career he has held most of the big jobs in government. His first job was in Ted Heath’s government in 1972, he was Home Secretary under Margaret Thatcher and Chancellor of the Exchequer under John Major. He has twice contested the leadership on the Conservative Party.
Ken Clarke is also the UK government’s anti-corruption champion. This means he needs to ensure that UK companies – wherever they operate in the world – abide by UK legislation banning the payment of bribes to secure contracts. Every country needs to keep up the fight against corruption, and the UK is no different in this regard.
Here in Bucharest he will want to exchange experience with the Romanian authorities on combatting corruption and pursuing judicial reform. Romania took significant steps forward over the summer with the adoption of new Civil and Criminal Codes and the law on the National Integrity Agency (ANI). This process is really important – for Romania and for the UK. For Romania because it will make politics more transparent, the courts more effective and the whole country better equipped to manage EU funds and get the benefits of EU membership. For the UK, because British businesses need a transparent and fair climate to invest here, and because we are increasing our cooperation with Romania’s police and justice system in tackling international organised crime.
So we are looking forward to some very substantial discussions, and to developing a strong partnership with Romania in the field of justice and home affairs. Ken Clarke’s visit is further evidence of what I said in my first press conference – that the new UK government’s compass is pointing towards Romania.
For the Romanian version of this account please click here.