The UK and US have reached alarming new lows in a global corruption index, which marks a concerning trend towards the erosion of democratic institutions influenced by political donations and other malpractices, such as 'cash for access' deals and state-sponsored targeting of journalists and campaigners. The Corruption Perceptions Index, published by Transparency International, evaluated the perceptions of corruption within the public sectors of 182 countries, highlighting that while Denmark maintains its position as the least corrupt nation, both the US and UK have faced significant drops in their standings over the years.

Experts have voiced serious concerns regarding the overall decline in global corruption scores, with 31 nations improving their ranking while 50 others fell, particularly in established democracies like the US and UK. The report specifically criticized the political climate during Donald Trump's presidency and the ongoing fallout from the Epstein files as catalysts for further deterioration in public trust and perception of governance. This erosion of confidence poses long-term risks to democratic values and institutions.

The UK’s gradual decline in rankings since 2015—from seventh to twentieth place—illustrates a broader, systemic issue within democratic societies where openness and accountability are increasingly compromised. With various external and internal pressures affecting these once-stable governance systems, the implications of this report are significant. The trends suggest a worrying trajectory that may weaken civil society and infringe on democratic freedoms, requiring urgent attention from policymakers and stakeholders to uphold integrity and transparency in governance.