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What Powers should the Government have in Foreign Investment?

12 October 2018

Time: 6:00 - 9:00pm

The UK merger control regime allows for intervention in mergers by the Secretary of State on national security and media plurality grounds. There is also a safeguard procedure, under which ministers can give notice of an additional public interest ground, if it happens to arise in a particular case, and seek the approval of the parliament to use it.

In a recent significant legislative development, the UK government has proposed to address these gaps in the applicability of the regime. TheDepartment for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy issued a white paper which is the next stage in the government’s reform of its powers in relation to protecting national security from hostile actors’ acquisition of control over entities or assets.

It follows the National Security and Infrastructure Investment Review green paper, published in October 2017, and takes account of the responses to that consultation. The white paper sets out the government’s proposed reforms for creating clear and focused powers within a predictable and transparent process.

Speakers include

Tim Jarvis, Director, Consumer and Competition Policy, Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy,

Rt Hon Lord Arbuthnot of Edrom, SC Strategy

Sir Christopher Bellamy, Chairman of the Global Competition Practice, Linklaters

and industry experts.

The panel will discuss a range of issues including

  • Does the UK government need such new powers
  • What types of transactions can affect national security
  • What can be the impact of the legislative reforms on merger enforcement
  • Can the reforms affect foreign investment into the UK

The event will be followed by a drinks reception.

Directions

For directions to the venue, please refer to the map.

How to book

This event is free but prior booking is required. Register online via Eventbrite.

Contact

For more information, please contact the CCLS Events Team on ccls-events@qmul.ac.uk.

Photography, video and audio recording

Please note that CCLS events may be photographed or video and audio recorded. These materials will be used for internal and external promotional purposes only by Queen Mary University of London. If you object to appearing in the photographs, please let our photographer know on the day. Alternatively you can email the CCLS Events Team on ccls-events@qmul.ac.uk in advance of the event that you are attending.

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