Reforming Competition Policy: Ready For Lift-off

Introduction

Since the publication of Lord Tyrie's letter of 2019, change has been underway in developing and reforming competition and consumer policy in the UK. Bird & Bird previously reported on the proposed reforms which were announced in July last year. In April 2022, the government finally published its response to its consultation on those proposals. The consultation received over 180 responses and was focused on three themes:

• promoting competition to drive enterprise, innovation, growth, and productivity;
• updating consumer rights to keep pace with markets; and
• strengthening the enforcement of consumer law by individuals and regulators.

This article briefly summarises the key competition policy reform proposals which the government has confirmed it intends to move forward with, following the Queen's speech on 10 May 2022. The proposed legislation will be known as the Draft Digital Markets, Competition and Consumer Bill. If you would like to