MPs vote in favour of review; airport review starts
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Updates from travel industry issues and the UK government
MPs vote in favour of APD review
Backbench MPs from across several political parties backed a review into the impact of Air Passenger Duty (APD) on the economy in a three-hour House of Commons debate yesterday. Politicians shared stories from travel agents, business travellers, inbound tourism, the leisure market and the VFR market during the debate, with all the speakers agreeing that a review was needed. The majority of MPs voted in favour of a review into its economic impact. “The outcome of the debate was a great result and we will be keeping the pressure on the Treasury to make sure that they act upon it,” said Luke Pollard, head of public affairs at ABTA.
Airport review commences
Boris Johnson continued to push for an earlier decision into airport capacity last week as the head of the review said he would look at the best possible option. Sir Howard Davies said his report, which is not due to be commissioned until 2015, will see a few options referred to in an interim report at the end of 2013. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Davies said he will make “preparatory work” so that the government in place after the election will have a “flying start”. Johnson and other industry authorities have continued to push for an earlier decision or short to medium-term solutions to strained airport capacity.
