With Gatwick Airport in Crawley it’s important to recognise the important economic and jobs contribution made by Britain’s aviation sector, after America we are the world’s largest.
This week I was pleased to meet with the A Fair Tax on Flying campaign in Parliament to continue my support for reducing Air Passenger Duty (APD).
APD is not only a tax on trade hurting UK commercial competiveness, but also hits families in the pocket when going on holiday. Whilst I welcomed the Government abolishing the duty for children’s tickets a few years ago, nevertheless, cutting APD would not only help households who work hard all year round, but would be a clear demonstration that Britain is open for business with the world.
British APD is the highest tax of its kind in any major economy. It’s twice the rate applied in Germany, which has the next highest rate in the EU.
UK economy class flyers are hit with £75 per ticket on long-haul flights, and £13 per ticket on short-haul. For all other classes, the tax is £150 per long-haul ticket, and £26 per short-haul ticket.
This is an issue I’ve raised previously in the House of Commons and is something I’ll continue to pursue with the Chancellor.
As a global island trading nation, a major aviation power and with our exit from the European Union coming ever closer, we should reduce our tax on flying to at least the level of our competitors if not further.
Henry Smith MP
Crawley Constituency
House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA
01293 934554/020 7219 7043
henry.smith.mp@parliament.uk
www.henrysmith.info