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Making the EU work for Consumers

Secretary of State for Business, John Hutton and Consumer Minister, Gareth Thomas hosted a joint BERR/NCC conference in London on 8 May 2008 to explore ideas about how to make the EU work well for consumers.

John Hutton launched the UK Consumer Law Review 'call for evidence' and delegates discussed the upcoming EU consumer agenda and the challenges and solutions of the digital market. Lord Whitty, Chair of the National Consumer Council, also addressed the conference and there was a video message from the Consumer Commissioner, Meglena Kuneva.

The conference included presentations and workshops on the Review of the Consumer Acquis, the challenges for businesses and consumers in the digital world, improving cross-border enforcement and creating Single Market solutions and empowering consumers. A summary of the conclusions from the workshops is available in the related documents section.

The speakers included Jacqueline Minor (Director of Consumer Affairs, DG SANCO, European Commission) Paul Misener (Vice President of Global Public Policy, Amazon) and Henrik Øe (Danish Consumer Ombudsman). The event was attended by around 120 delegates from consumer groups, business and enforcers.

Speech:

Opening address from Rt. Hon. John Hutton MP, Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform