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Competition and Markets Authority Chairman 2025-01-22
22 January 2025
Lead MP
Andrew Griffith
Debate Type
Urgent Question
Tags
Economy
Other Contributors: 22
At a Glance
Andrew Griffith raised concerns about competition and markets authority chairman 2025-01-22 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Will the Minister confirm the position of the chairman of the Competition and Markets Authority following Marcus Bokkerink's resignation?
Andrew Griffith
Con
Arundel and South Downs
Question
Why was the chairman of the CMA dismissed? Are there plans to change the Government's view on the CMA’s remit, and what evaluation has been done?
Minister reply
Marcus Bokkerink did not get sacked; he resigned. No immediate changes are planned for the CMA’s remit.
Gregor Poynton
Lab
Livingston
Question
Does the Minister agree that getting the regulatory environment right is vital to drive innovation and protect consumers, ensuring sustained growth?
Minister reply
Yes, proper competition drives sustained growth, protecting consumers while promoting innovation.
Clive Jones
LD
Wokingham
Question
Does the Minister agree that ensuring fair competition is vital to achieving sustained growth and will guarantee backing for the digital markets unit within the CMA?
Minister reply
Fair competition is vital; the interim chair's experience with tech companies supports this.
Chi Onwurah
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Question
Will the Minister quash rumours of a shift away from competition regulation, confirming that competition drives investment and growth?
Minister reply
Yes, competition is vital for driving investment and growth.
John Cooper
Con
Dumfries and Galloway
Question
Should the Government come up with ideas of their own for growth rather than trying to copy regulators?
Minister reply
We have our own plans, including important planning reforms and an industrial strategy.
Sharon Hodgson
Lab
Washington and Gateshead South
Question
Can the Minister confirm which Minister will oversee the CMA actively, not in name only?
Minister reply
I am responsible for the CMA. A new strategic steer will be issued later this year.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Question
Can the Minister outline the remit given to the interim chair and confirm that the previous chair resigned?
Minister reply
The CMA’s operational independence remains intact, with new leadership needed for growth.
John Grady
Lab
Glasgow East
Question
Will yesterday's announcement change the independence of individual CMA panels that deal with matters before the CMA?
Minister reply
The operational independence remains intact.
Bobby Dean
LD
Carshalton and Wallington
Question
Does the Government understand the risks involved in prioritising short-term boosts over long-term market stability?
Minister reply
We will take action against Amazon on knife sales, demonstrating our commitment to regulation.
Luke Charters
Lab
York Outer
Question
How can regulators be pushed to ensure their decisions lead to growth?
Minister reply
Decisions need to provide certainty for the business community to move forward with investments.
Desmond Swayne
Con
New Forest West
Question
What will be the impact on growth of a record number of millionaires leaving the UK since the Budget?
Minister reply
The CMA’s role is not to monitor the number of millionaires leaving the country.
Cardiff West
Question
In 2023, after the CMA blocked a merger, was it said that the CMA must ‘understand their wider responsibilities’?
Minister reply
The Minister did not provide an answer or clarify this statement.
Llinos Medi
PC
Ynys Môn
Question
Reports suggest the Government plans to freeze all rail spending except for three projects in England. A lack of transport funding is stifling growth in Wales. To prove his commitment to growth, will the Minister outline the transport funding that has been committed to Wales?
Minister reply
Unfortunately, transport funding—particularly in Wales—is well outside the Competition and Markets Authority’s remit.
John Slinger
Lab
Rugby
Question
Does my hon. Friend agree that economic regulators have a responsibility to ensure supersonic growth in our economy with a pro-business approach?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend is absolutely right; we need everyone signed up to this agenda for delivering better economic growth, getting more money into people’s pockets, and changing the tune after 14 years of decline.
Julian Smith
Con
Skipton and Ripon
Question
When speaking to business, we hear that resolving disputes is key. Could I urge the Minister to look at how disputes are resolved by the CMA?
Minister reply
That is a very fair comment; we need to give businesses certainty and clarity so they can make investment decisions.
Olivia Bailey
Lab
Reading West and Mid Berkshire
Question
How does the Department plan to appoint the permanent chair of the CMA?
Minister reply
The appointment will take place in the normal manner, as all other appointments do.
Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe
Question
An active regulator is essential to securing fair prices for consumers. Will the Government commit to launching the Pumpwatch petrol price comparison platform?
Minister reply
Consumers see petrol prices every time they leave their home; there is a disparity that needs explanation and transparency, so I will take up this issue on behalf of my hon. Friend.
Blair McDougall
Lab
East Renfrewshire
Question
How can the CMA progress the merger between Three and Vodafone to improve mobile phone signal in Crookfur?
Minister reply
The CMA has been dealing with this issue, and I am sure we will be able to provide an update shortly.
Christchurch
Question
Will the Minister ask the Competition and Markets Authority to investigate why energy prices are the highest in the world?
Minister reply
I will certainly pass that request on, which Ofgem may also have an interest in.
Sorcha Eastwood
Alliance
Lagan Valley
Question
Does the Minister agree that ensuring regulations are followed and breaking up monopolies is essential for small businesses suffering from high national insurance?
Minister reply
It is important that consumers and small businesses operate on a level playing field, and we are keen to see more growth delivered. A balance has to be struck.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
The role of the CMA chair is essential in the current economic climate; how does this interim measure send a message of strength and readiness for international business?
Minister reply
We are serious about growth, sending the message that Britain is open for investment and working with partners worldwide to encourage investment and get the desired growth.
Government Response
Following the resignation of Marcus Bokkerink, Doug Gurr has been appointed as interim chair for up to 18 months. The Government supports growth through the CMA's strategic steer, respecting its independence while setting clear expectations on promoting economic growth. This includes a focus on new technologies and business leadership.
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