At first it seems wrong: why should a new British law on bribery concern firms in Hong Kong? We no longer answer to our former colonial master and no one has given it the authority to police the world. But as much as we may feel a sense of indignation, this sort of legislation - making bribery an offence for companies in any way doing business with Britain - makes sense. At issue is not extraterritorial jurisdiction, but ridding the world of the scourge of corruption.

There's good reason for the law. Britain has long lagged behind other governments with anti-corruption rules. Its reputation suffered as a result of a bribery scandal involving British defence contractor BAE Systems; the country's position in the international corruption index has fallen to 17th, behind Japan and Hong Kong. By making British firms, those that operate in Britain, or companies anywhere in the world that have British business links liable, those poor perceptions can start to be rolled back.

The law is tougher than a US one already in place. Given the absence of serious anti-corruption regulations in many parts of the world, such steps should be welcomed. Hong Kong already has its own rules and enforcement, but there is much to be gained by having them buttressed by laws from other jurisdictions.