Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of introducing regional stock exchanges throughout the UK; and if he will make a statement.

The Government conducted a consultation in 2010 that sought views on regional exchanges

As noted in the Government’s response almost all respondents to the consultation did not favour the introduction of such exchanges (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/253763/bis-10-1242-financing-business-growth-response.pdf).

There are no legislative barriers preventing market participants from setting up regionally-focused exchanges, provided they receive the required approvals from the Financial Conduct Authority.