Source · Select Committees · Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
Recommendation 26
26
Acknowledged
If the UK leaves the transition period provided for by the UK’s withdrawal agreement with...
Recommendation
If the UK leaves the transition period provided for by the UK’s withdrawal agreement with the EU at the end of 2020 without a clear trading arrangement with the EU, the relaxation of competition law may again be called for. The Government should explain whether another relaxation of competition law may be required in the event of a disruptive exit from the transition period, based on lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. (Paragraph 118) 52 COVID-19 and food supply
Government response summary AI-generated
The government states that competition law exclusion orders are for exceptional circumstances and that Defra will continue to work with the food industry for the end of the transition period, taking account of competition law, but does not explicitly explain whether another relaxation may be required.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government · verbatim extract
Acknowledged
Exclusion orders are intended to be used in exceptional circumstances only, as set out in the Competition Act 1998. Defra will continue to work closely with the food industry to support preparations for the end of the transition period and will take account of measures, including competition law, in doing so.
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