The UK Competition Authority issues a statement which stipulates that the UK government will suspend elements of its antitrust laws and will refocuses enforcement in response to COVID-19

The UK Government, the Competition and Markets Authority (“CMA”) and sectoral regulators are taking measures to respond to COVID-19, including suspending certain elements of competition law to allow competing suppliers of essential products and services to work together, while monitoring business conduct to prevent collusion and consumer exploitation. The COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented. Among other things, it has had significant and immediate economic effects, causing substantial changes in pre-existing patterns of demand and placing considerable pressure on suppliers of essential products and services, including, in particular, groceries and health services. The most immediate difficulty facing these firms is securing access to sufficient supplies, facilities, and staff to meet huge