The UK will investigate any allegations of corruption in the Libyan oil sector.
The statement was made in a written answer in the British House of Commons (parliament) by the British Deputy Foreign Secretary David Rutley. The question was asked by member of parliament Daniel Kawczynski.
Kawczynski asked Rutley ‘‘what assessment his Department has made of the implications for its policies of levels of corruption in Libya’s (a) oil industry and (b) national oil bodies.
On 2 May David Rutley answered: ‘‘The National Oil Corporation (NOC) is an important institution in Libya with a vital role to play. It is however vulnerable to malign state actors seeking to benefit from Libya’s political instability and capture of Libyan wealth by a small number of well-placed individuals through corrupt practices such as fuel smuggling, which can contribute to regional instability.
The UK is therefore supportive of any efforts to investigate corruption and impropriety in the NOC and advocates greater transparency on revenue expenditure.
The UK is clear that it will investigate any relevant allegations of corruption falling under the Bribery Act 2010.
Overall, the UK believes the only means of addressing these issues sustainably is through a political settlement under UN auspices, which it continues to support, including by encouraging all parties to engage meaningfully.’’
