Disruption, Innovation and Re-Alignment in UK Consumer Law and Policy

This book sets out the future directions for UK consumer law and policy.

After decades of EU-driven development, the continuous improvement of UK consumer law and policy has stalled after Brexit. Yet, there are major challenges, including the progressive digitalisation of the consumer environment, the need to reconcile sustainability with consumption, and the need for better crisis resilience, alongside more specific concerns such as better enforcement, students as consumers, or subscription contracts. The disruption caused by Brexit demands a comprehensive solution to ensure that UK consumer law and policy remains current and robust rather than becoming moribund. It also presents an opportunity for realigning UK consumer law and policy towards a consumer-centric focus and to develop innovative solutions to contemporary consumer challenges.

With original contributions from UK consumer law scholars, the book shows how the UK could develop in response to both major and specific challenges. Topics include a historical perspective on consumer law, consumer law reform, the implications of Brexit, vulnerability, changing paradigms, challenges in the context of financial services and digital consumer law, and enforcement.

James Devenney is Head of School and Professor of Transnational Commercial Law at the University of Reading, UK.
Christian Twigg-Flesner is Professor of Contract and Consumer Law at the University of Warwick, UK.