The Spider’s Web: Britain’s Second Empire

The Spider’s Web: Britain’s Second Empire examines how the United Kingdom transitioned from a colonial power to a global financial powerhouse. Loosely based on the book Treasure Islands by Nicholas Shaxson, it reveals how British offshore jurisdictions are responsible for hiding over half of the world’s offshore wealth. The term “the spider’s web” refers to the network of islands where the film alleges this money is concealed.

The documentary claims that the City of London Corporation and its financial institutions have harmed the global economy since the 1960s, and that the UK lies at the centre of this secrecy and corruption. Co-produced by the Tax Justice Network, an organisation that analyses and campaigns on issues of international finance and tax havens, the film features former insiders, academics, and campaigners to reveal how secrecy has prevailed over transparency in the global financial industry.