David Cameron to propose world-wide anti-corruption agency to tackle tax evasion

David Cameron will propose creating a world-wide anti-corruption agency to help local law enforcement tackle tax evasion, according to Sir Eric Pickles.

Cameron will table the plan next week, at an international anti-corruption summit organised in response to the Panama Papers.

The body would help national agencies and investigators crack down on money laundering and would likely involve a broadening of the OECD's remit to root out bribery and tax crime.

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Pickles, the Government's anti-corruption advisor, said the agency would not have its own law enforcement powers but would facilitate information exchange.

He said: “The Panama Papers has changed the climate. Those who come up with technical arguments about why change cannot be made, or say they need more time, are getting a lot less of a hearing.

“The public are impatient to see progress. The Panama Papers showed a lot of sons of presidents and relatives of presidents thought they could hide their people’s money abroad. Transparency is going to make that a lot more difficult.”

Pickles also revealed sports bodies including Fifa and Uefa will sign a joint statement pledging to fight corruption in sport.

Some 40 countries are expected at the summit to be hosted by Cameron this month.

A push for greater transparency in public procurement is also expected to be on the agenda.