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Bribery Law Proposed
21 May 2002
Robin Cook announced proposals for new, tougher restrictions on bribery at a press conference today. Whereas before ministers could be bought off for any amount of money, large or small, pornographers, Asian businessmen and anyone else who wants something will now be subject to the Minimum Bribe.
Following on from the success of the Minimum Wage, Mr Cook told journalists that MPs will soon only be able to take bungs worth over a certain amount, to be decided by "an independent commission of Tony's friends".
Businesses, however, have criticised the government for going too far. "We realise that MPs are relatively poor, getting a minimum salary of around £55,000," said a CBI spokesman. "But our members only have limited funds. Many just won't be able to afford cabinet ministers any more. Some may even have to settle for Conservative frontbenchers."
Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith was equally critical. "These measures do not go far enough," he complained to the BBC's Watchdog programme. "My party is totally skint – we could do with the cash." Mr Cook responded by issuing assurances that the new rules would be fair. "Especially to Labour," he added.
Excuse me, would you mind?
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