UK and US Slip in Global Corruption Rankings: A Call for Democratic Integrity

The United Kingdom and the United States have reached new lows in the world’s corruption rankings, as outlined in the latest Corruption Perceptions Index by Transparency International. This troubling trend reflects the erosion of democratic institutions, exacerbated by political donations, cash-for-access, and state targeting of campaigners and journalists. In a survey involving experts and businesspeople from around the globe, a total of 182 countries were assessed based on perceived levels of corruption within their public sectors. Denmark emerged as the least corrupt nation, while South Sudan sunk to the bottom of the table. The findings revealed an overall decline in corruption perception, with 31 countries improving while 50 experienced setbacks. Particularly alarming is the backsliding observed in established democracies. The report indicates that events during Donald Trump’s presidency and revelations from the Epstein files could contribute to further deterioration in these countries. The UK, which has been steadily declining in the rankings since 2015, has fallen from seventh place to 20th in 2025, scoring 70 out of 100—down from 71 the previous year. The slight decline in the UK’s score has been linked to increasing concerns about the two main political parties, especially in the wake of the financial implications of the upcoming 2024 general election. Record election campaign spending has fueled a dependency on wealthy benefactors, with the Conservative Party reportedly receiving £15 million from a single donor in just under a year. The donor in question, Frank Hester, faced criticism after making racist and sexist comments, leading to calls for the party to return the funds. Labour has also faced scrutiny, as it was revealed that its largest donor, Waheed Alli, received privileged access to No 10. Furthermore, political appointments being influenced by party donations have drawn public ire. Transparency International cautioned that the UK is likely to remain mired in scandal, particularly due to revelations concerning the relationship between Labour figure Peter Mandelson and the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Daniel Bruce, the chief executive of Transparency International UK, emphasized that this persistent decline risks becoming a defining characteristic of the UK’s political culture. He urged the government to take decisive actions aimed at restoring integrity, including measures to eliminate the influence of big money in politics and ensure genuine governmental transparency—steps critical to regaining public trust. On the other side of the Atlantic, the US has also seen a decline, falling from 28th to 29th place, now occupying its lowest score ever at 64. Transparency International suggests that the country could face further regression, as events of 2025 and actions taken during Trump's second presidency are likely to be detrimental. The report highlighted the use of public office to stifle independent voices, the normalization of conflict-driven political practices, and the erosion of judicial independence. Globally, only seven countries scored 80 or higher, with Denmark leading for the eighth consecutive year, followed by Finland, Singapore, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland. South Sudan and Somalia ranked lowest, just below Venezuela, Yemen, and Libya. Transparency International expressed deep concern over the worrying trend of declining scores in democracies, where institutions once demonstrated greater resilience. The organization cited a global order under strain due to great power rivalries and a troubling disregard for international norms, compounded by armed conflicts and the climate crisis that are fueling societal polarization. The urgent need for principled leadership and robust independent institutions that prioritize the public interest has never been clearer. However, the persistent failures of good governance and accountable leadership continue to undermine these ideals. Launched in 1995, the Corruption Perception Index has evolved over the years, but historical rankings only date back to 2012 to align with a new methodology. In response to the findings, a UK government spokesperson stated a commitment to tackling corruption and safeguarding the finances of working citizens. The anticorruption strategy aims to pinpoint corrupt actors, minimize their influence, and bolster systems that uphold democracy, including a new £15 million funding initiative for an expanded domestic corruption unit. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2