The UK Government consults on proposals aimed at improving its competition regime and strengthening its Competition Authority post-COVID-19, including updates to merger review, investigation tools, interim measures, fines and more direct intervention in consumer protection

On 20 July 2021, the government launched a consultation containing substantial proposals that could herald the most important reform of the UK competition regime in 25 years (the consultation). The proposals follow multiple reports and papers and, if they survive the consultation process, could be implemented in the near future. The proposals are numerous and wide-ranging, covering competition law, consumer law and the enforcement regime, but of particular interest are those that would have a significant effect on the role and powers of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). If implemented, these proposals will result in a stronger and more powerful CMA, albeit one that is more overtly the subject of influence from government. Competition reforms The stated aims of the proposals