Commons Sense

House of Commons · Urgent Question

Competition and Markets Authority Chairman 2025-01-22

22 January 2025 · 22 other contributors

Opened by Andrew Griffith Con Arundel and South Downs

Business & Trade

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

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.

Key points

  • Marcus Bokkerink resigned as chairman of the Competition and Markets Authority
  • Doug Gurr has been appointed as interim chair for up to 18 months
  • The Government supports the CMA's strategic direction, emphasizing economic growth and new technologies

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Andrew Griffith Con Arundel and South Downs

Will the Minister confirm the position of the chairman of the Competition and Markets Authority following Marcus Bokkerink's resignation?

Other contributors (22)
  • 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.

  • Alex Barros-Curtis Lab 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.

  • David Chadwick LD 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.

  • Christopher Chope Con 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

Justin Madders

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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