The Competition Act 1998 (Public Policy Exclusion) Order 2006
Agreements between undertakings, decisions by associations of undertakings or concerted practices which may affect trade within the United Kingdom, and have as their object or effect the prevention, restriction or distortion of competition within the United Kingdom (“agreements”) are prohibited by Chapter I of the Competition Act 1998. Where there are exceptional and compelling reasons of public policy to do so, the Secretary of State may exclude agreements or descriptions of agreements from that prohibition.