The prime minister’s rhetoric on tackling corruption is all fine and dandy, but spare a thought for the impoverished souls charged with meeting his promises.

As the great and good packed their Louis Vuitton suitcases and departed yesterday’s ‘landmark’ summit in London, the Treasury announced next year’s pay award for National Crime Agency officers.

They will get a rise of ‘up to’ 1%, amounting to an additional sum that we trust they won’t spend all at once. With inflation forecast to top 2%, this is of course a de facto pay cut.

We’re all wearily familiar with the ‘austerity’ mantra – but still. George Osborne’s spinners could have been more adroit with their timing… .

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