Individuals who bribe public officials, or companies that negligently fail to prevent bribery, will be guilty of new offences if Law Commission proposals become legislation.

In Reforming Bribery, published today, the commission recommends replacing a ‘morass’ of bribery laws with two general offences of giving bribes and taking bribes. The common law of bribery would be repealed along with the 1889, 1906 and 1916 acts. A single set of provisions would deal with both public and private sector offences.

Professor Jeremy Horder, the commissioner leading the project, said: ‘Our recommendations will make the law fit for purpose at a time when a great deal of trade takes place in a global market. It has never been more important for modern law to deter people from acting on the temptation to resort to bribery to secure business, both nationally and internationally.’

Under the proposals, British citizens, residents or incorporated bodies could still commit a bribery offence even if abroad. A separate offence of bribing a foreign public official is also proposed.