Tenth of MPs back APD motion

One in 10 UK MPs have backed a Parliamentary motion to study the impact of Air Passenger Duty on the UK’s economy and employment levels.

Sixty MPs from several parties have added their names to the motion, named EDM 174, after three weeks of the A Fair Tax on Flying campaign. The campaign has prompted 13,000 people to write to their local MP about the tax. Urging for continued push on the campaign, Sir Richard Branson added his voice to the campaign this week with slogans on its e-tickets.

“More than 60 MPs have now added their names to EDM 174, calling on the Government to commission new research into the impact of Air Passenger Duty (APD) on the UK economy,” said Darren Caplan, chief executive of the Airport Operators Association (AOA). “This is a major milestone for www.afairtaxonflying.org campaign – which is encouraging MPs to back the motion – demonstrating widespread concern among MPs for the damage the tax is having on the UK economy and on ordinary families”. 

By Amanda Greenwood, 12 July 2012, Thursday 12:01 AM