In conversation with John Fingleton: competition policy after Brexit

The Institute for Government was delighted to welcome John Fingleton, former chief executive of the Office of Fair Trading, for an in-conversation with Gemma Tetlow, Chief Economist at the Institute for Government.

In his talk, he set out his concerns about sweeping changes that the Government is planning to make to UK merger law which he says are a “wolf in sheep’s clothing” that will have “myriad and substantial” costs to the UK economy. The proposed changes will – John argues – extend the Government’s ability to intervene in mergers and investments on the grounds of protecting national security, creating a much more restrictive approach to foreign investment.

John explained why he is concerned that these changes will make it easier for lobbyists and other special interests at the cost of UK competitiveness after Brexit.

There was an opportunity for audience Q&A.

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