Six in Ten (61%) Conservative MPs believe a reduction in Air Passenger Duty (APD) should be considered to stimulate growth according to a new survey published today by ABTA - The Travel Association, also a member of A Fair Tax on Flying campaign. It comes as over 250k emails have been sent to MPs from UK residents and foreign travellers asking for a review of the impacts of APD on UK jobs and growth and 96 MPs have signed an EDM calling for such a review.
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MP survey
The ComRes survey of more than 150 MPs shows that half (49%) of MPs believe that current rates of APD are putting UK businesses at a competitive disadvantage, while two in five MPs (40%) firmly believe they are damaging the UK’s position as a hub for global air travel. Additionally, over half (51%) of MPs believe that a reduction in APD should be considered as a way to increase the international competitiveness of the UK economy, therefore encouraging growth.
Conservative MPs feel strongest about APD
The research indicates that Conservative MPs are most likely to believe that the current rates of APD are damaging to the economy. A majority 61% of Conservative MPs believe that a reduction in APD should be considered as a way to increase the UK’s competitiveness and 57% believe that APD is damaging the UK’s position as a global air travel hub. The figures suggest that the Conservative backbench is keen to see the Chancellor implement policies that will encourage growth.