SHEARMAN & STERLING’S JAMES WEBBER DISCUSSES THE UK’S SUBSIDY CONTROL ACT 2022 WITH THE FINANCIAL TIMES

Shearman & Sterling Antitrust partner James Webber discussed the UK’s Subsidy Control Act 2022. Almost a year after the regime came into force, James shared his views on how the UK system is operating.

James explained that although issues have arisen he has confidence it will mature. He is against calls for the UK adding more “streamlined routes” as he believes that risks a return to the “rigidity” of the EU system while losing the flexibility that the UK regime was designed to inculcate.

“In general, there shouldn’t be a worry about enforcement,” he said. “These are public authorities. They mostly try hard to comply with the rules. CMA guidance and the oversight of the National Audit Office is sufficient, with judicial review only for outlying cases,” James told the Financial Times.

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