RUSI Hosts Baroness May for Address on Finance and Security Challenges
Baroness Theresa May was joined by Tom Keatinge, director of RUSI’s Centre for Finance and Security, for her keynote speech and a discussion reflecting on the intersection of security and finance.
Between 2010 and 2019, first as Home Secretary and then Prime Minister, Baroness May oversaw significant changes to the way the UK tackles illicit finance and security. Among many achievements were the Modern Slavery Act, the establishment of the National Crime Agency, the introduction of Unexplained Wealth Orders as part of the Criminal Finances Act, and the creation of the UK’s world leading public-private partnership (JMLIT) to fight financial crime.
Since leaving government she has published a groundbreaking book, The Abuse of Power, which explored how power can be misused by public institutions and politicians. She is currently teaching a course, Democracy in a Changing World, at Yale University. She also chairs the Global Commission on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking, an international initiative which aims to help eradicate modern slavery and human trafficking.
During the event, Baroness warned of the increasing dangers of illicit finance saying:
Organised crime sits at the heart of many of the gravest challenges we face in society, from serious violence and child sexual abuse to modern slavery and human trafficking to cybercrime and hostile state activity.Taken together, these threats form a national security challenge that undermines our economy, our institutions and our values.
The Rt Hon. the Baroness May of Maidenhead
She urged policymakers and governments not to be complacent, continuing:
Criminal networks adapt quickly and exploit new technologies. They don’t stand still - and neither can we. Meeting these challenges will call for continued political will, further investment and deeper cooperation across government, with the private sector and with international partners. We cannot afford to be a safe haven for dirty money, or a blind spot for human exploitation.
Reflecting on the evening, Tom Keatinge added:
Unbeknownst to her, Baroness May’s leadership at the Home Office was an important trigger for the creation of our Centre for Finance and Security at RUSI in 2014. It was thus an honour to hear her reflect some of the decisions she made that have guided us over the past decade.
Tom Keatinge
Director, CFS
Events such as this are part of a wider package of benefits for RUSI members and supporters of the Centre for Finance and Security (CFS). Find out more about RUSI Membership and research work by the Centre for Finance and Security.