Consequences of Brexit for competition law and policy

Abstract

If Brexit involves leaving the EEA, UK competition law will stand but come under strain as efficiencies of integrated policy are lost. For example, dual UK/EU scrutiny of international mergers will be needed. Scope for UK and EU competition law to diverge would open up, but that has costs as well as possible benefits. Merger policy should retain the competition foundations it now has, and not go back towards the politics of the 'public interest'.