UK mulling over permission to bribe and buy Taliban commanders

London, June 14 (ANI): The British Government is mulling over a proposal to give formal permission to its officials to pay bribes for recruiting informants and to buy off Taliban commanders.

According to The Times, British agents working for MI5, MI6 or GCHQ, Britain's spy centers, would be free from the anti-bribery legislation being moved in Parliament for approval.

The legislation which is being backed by Justice Secretary Jack Straw has several new regulations embedded in it to tighten the noose on bribery in the country.

The legislation includes a series of offences, including a provision of maximum of 10-year imprisonment for offering, promising or accepting bribes.

It will also introduce unlimited fines for firms that induce 'improper conduct.'

It is believed that Members of Parliament would vote in favour of the bill, cutting across party lines.

However, it would not be that easy for Straw to get the legislation passed in the house, as several MPs have voiced their discontent over the proposal.

"It seems to me quite extraordinary that the government should authorise itself to do this sort of thing," Liberal Democrat Justice spokesman, David Howarth said.

"There is no earthly reason why M15 and GCHQ should have a reason to bribe people," Labour MP, Andrew MacKinlay added. (ANI)