ABTA urges members to write to MPs ahead of Budget statement
ABTA is urging its members and everyone working in the industry to write to their MPs to request a cut in Air Passenger Duty (APD) in this month’s Budget.
The UK tax is the highest of its kind in Europe – double that of Germany.
ABTA is a founding member of the ‘A Fair Tax on Flying’ campaign, which wants to see APD halved.
A recent industry report revealed that more than 65 potential new air links from the UK have been lost as a result of APD, says ABTA.
The Association has devised a template email people can send to their MPs asking them to write to Chancellor Philip Hammond asking him to cut APD in his Budget on Monday, October 29.
The email also asks MPs to join others like Priti Patel, the former secretary of state for International Development, and Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the 1922 Committee, in backing the campaign.
ABTA said it believes that a 50% reduction in APD would deliver benefits to the UK economy, and says that it is ‘essential’ APD does not increase any further ‘at this crucial time’.
Senior public affairs manager Luke Petherbridge said: "This Budget is an opportunity for Government to support holidaymakers and businesses travellers, as well as sending a strong message that Britain is open for business by cutting APD.
"We strongly welcome the many steps taken in recent years to reduce the overall burden of APD on UK consumers and businesses, including removing bands C and D, the abolition of child APD, and more recently, the freeze on economy flights across both bands. But we still have one of the highest aviation taxes in the world which is a barrier to new routes and expensive for travellers.
"It’s important MPs understand the negative impact of such a high level of APD. The industry can help make the case by getting behind the Fair Tax on Flying Campaign and contacting MPs."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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