UK Competition Policy Post-Brexit: In the Public Interest?

Bruce Lyons, University of East Anglia, David Reader, University of East Anglia (UEA) - Centre for Competition Policy, and Andreas Stephan, University of East Anglia (UEA) - Centre for Competition Policy ask UK Competition Policy Post-Brexit: In the Public Interest?

ABSTRACT: This paper provides an analysis of the UK’s future Competition Policy, following its withdrawal from the EU. It is focused on whether the UK should make greater use of public interest tests in merger regulation, implement industrial policies aimed at protecting UK industries, or allow antitrust rules to diverge from those of the EU. We find that some of the new freedoms achieved by Brexit will be damaging to competitive markets. It may be necessary to legislate to limit these effects.