The UK Competition Regime: A Twenty-Year Retrospective

The UK competition law regime is primarily based on the Competition Act 1998 and the Enterprise Act 2002, with additional provisions from the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 and the Consumer Rights Act 2015. The book examines the first twenty years of the operation of the UK's competition regime, focusing on substantive and procedural issues and providing a comprehensive analysis of its effectiveness in making markets work well for consumers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 464 pages
Publication date: 06 May 2021
Publisher: Oxford University Press

The UK's competition law regime is a comprehensive framework that includes the Competition Act 1998, the Enterprise Act 2002, and various provisions introduced through the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 and the Consumer Rights Act 2015. The Competition Act 1998, which came into force on March 1, 2000, serves as the cornerstone of the modern competition law framework in the UK. Over the past two decades, UK competition law has undergone significant development and modernization, driven by both decisional practice and jurisprudence. This legal evolution has encompassed both institutional and substantive reform efforts to ensure that markets function effectively for consumers.

As the Competition Act 1998 enters its twentieth year of operation, it is an opportune moment to assess the current state of the UK's competition regime and evaluate its effectiveness in fulfilling its core mission of promoting fair and efficient markets. This book aims to provide a robust and critical examination of the first twenty years of the UK's competition regime. It focuses on the key substantive and procedural issues that have arisen during this period and offers a comprehensive analysis of how the UK's contemporary competition regime has addressed these challenges.

By examining the successes and shortcomings of the UK's competition law over the past two decades, the book aims to identify areas where further reflection, refinement, and potential reform are necessary. It seeks to provide insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the current regime and offer recommendations for improving its effectiveness in achieving its objectives.

One of the key themes explored in the book is the role of competition law in promoting fair competition and consumer welfare. The authors argue that competition law plays a vital role in ensuring that markets are open, transparent, and competitive, which ultimately benefits consumers by driving innovation, lowering prices, and improving quality. However, the book also acknowledges that competition law can have unintended consequences, particularly when it is implemented in a manner that may restrict competition or harm consumers.

Another important aspect of the book is the evolution of competition law in the UK in response to emerging challenges and trends. The authors discuss how the regime has adapted to the changing landscape of global commerce, including the rise of digital platforms, the increasing importance of data and intellectual property, and the challenges posed by state-owned enterprises and multinational corporations. The book highlights the need for continued vigilance and adaptation to ensure that competition law remains relevant and effective in the modern economy.

The book also examines the role of competition authorities and regulators in enforcing and implementing competition law. It discusses the structure and functions of the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) and the Office of Fair Trade (OFT), as well as the role of other regulatory bodies such as the European Commission and the International Competition Network. The authors argue that effective enforcement and regulation are essential for the success of competition law, and they offer recommendations for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of these agencies.

In addition to its analysis of the past twenty years of competition law in the UK, the book also provides insights into the future of competition law in the country. The authors discuss the potential challenges and opportunities that may arise in the coming years, including the impact of Brexit on the UK's competition regime, the ongoing debate over the role of regulation in the digital economy, and the need for international cooperation in addressing global competition issues.

Overall, this book is a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners interested in competition law and its role in promoting fair and efficient markets. It offers a comprehensive and critical examination of the past twenty years of competition law in the UK, providing valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the current regime and offering recommendations for future reform.

Weight: 952g
Dimension: 178 x 254 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198868026