Thomas Horsley: Reforming the UK Internal Market: The UK Government’s Response to the Review of the United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020 – UK Constitutional Law Association
‘On 15th July 2025, the UK Government (UKG) published its response to its review and public consultation on Parts 1 and 2 of the United Kingdom Internal Market Act 2020 (UKIMA). The Response confirms the UKG’s commitment to (re)position the Common Frameworks (sector-specific intergovernmental agreements coordinating policy in devolved areas previously governed by EU law) ahead of the UKIMA to manage future policy divergence in devolved areas affecting intra-UK trade. It also details six reforms that the UKG will bring forward in coming months. After setting out some brief background to the Review, the first part of this post explores the UKG’s reform proposals, with a focus on changes to the existing UKIMA exclusion process. Thereafter, this post reflects on the UKG’s broader aspiration to manage intra-UK trade under devolution primarily by consensus through the Common Frameworks, rather than by imposition under the UKIMA.’
UK Constitutional Law Association, 21st July 2025
Source: ukconstitutionallaw.org