State aid rules and Brexit

Article

The EU’s policy of state aid control has become a focal point of debate since the UK’s 2016 referendum.

Some proponents of leaving the EU have argued that, freed from the constraints of EU rules on state aid, the UK would have more flexibility to embark on an active industrial policy; opponents have countered that this overstates the stringency of the rules.

This short briefing seeks to assess these claims, exploring the role of state aid rules in the EU and how these might change under different Brexit scenarios.

Related items

  1. A diverse group of neighbours going on a group walk in a residential area, warpped up in warm coats

    From strangers to citizens: Membership and belonging in an age of migration

    Who should become a British citizen in an age of growing mobility and migration?
  2. The Scottish parliament building rises in the backdrop, foregrounded by a pond, trees and a lawn. Blue skies overhead

    Rebuilding Scotland's "New Politics": a constructive parliament to build trust in Scottish politics

    Political disillusionment is growing in Scotland, and policy is not delivering. MSPs who did not stand for re-election this year share how the parliament currently works and could be improved.
  3. A photo of a field of solar panels with a line of trees and a sunset sky behind it

    The Europe agenda: Energy and climate

    A redefined relationship with Europe is the most direct path to the UK's climate and energy goals.