Coates: EEA vs EFTA will dictate Brexit’s effect on antitrust

Kevin Coates participated in the American Bar Association’s criminal antitrust conference and is quoted in a GCR article regarding the effects of Brexit on antitrust. According to Coates, the effects of Brexit on competition law will only be felt if the United Kingdom decides it wants an economic relationship with the European Union different from one created by the European Economic Area. 

Departing from short-term consequences, Coates said the UK’s absence from European competition law could have a lasting effect. He said a loss of the country’s pro-business and pro-economic analysis influence would be felt at every level throughout the system.

However, Coates also declared, “Nobody knows anything. There is no timetable, there is no clear preferred model – either by the government or by the former Leave campaigners.”