Henry Smith MP has continued the campaign for further reform to Air Passenger Duty by calling on the Leader of the House of Commons to grant a debate on the tax’s future.

Henry said; 

“While Air Passenger Duty has already been abolished for under 12s, and will be stopped for under 16s from March 2016, there is still more to be done.

“I was pleased to welcome the Chancellor’s announcement in last year’s Autumn Statement that these changes will happen, I continue to urge the Treasury to keep looking at reducing, or abolishing, Air Passenger Duty.

“Recent reforms include abolishing two of the bands, and simplifying the process. I am grateful to the Speaker of the House of Commons for allowing me to raise this important matter on behalf of people across Crawley. I will be writing to the Chancellor of the Exchequer on this issue, ahead of the Summer Budget on 8th July.”

Henry Smith, Member of Parliament for Crawley, asked the Leader of the House of Commons;

“After Chad, the UK charges the most passenger duty of anywhere in the world. Indeed, many of our European competitors do not charge any such tax.

“A recent PwC report highlighted the fact that if the tax were abolished, the economy would benefit by up to £2 billion. May we have a debate on the future of air passenger duty?”

The Leader of the House of Commons, Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP, responded;

“Air passenger duty is one of the taxes that was introduced by the Labour Government and that I wish was lower. I am pleased that in government we have been able to freeze it and remove it for children.

“I know that the Chancellor of the Exchequer will continue to keep it under review and, after the Budget in early July, we will have extensive chances to debate air passenger duty and other taxes. I hope that my hon. Friend will take advantage of the opportunity.”

Related articles:

Supporting investment in transport and campaigning against Air Passenger Duty 
6 March 2015

Henry Smith MP: Air Passenger Duty reforms good news for hardworking Crawley families 
8 December 2014

2014 Autumn Statement - Henry Smith MP claims victory on Air Passenger Duty and Stamp Duty 
3 December 2014

Henry Smith MP welcomes reforms to Air Passenger Duty 
11 August 2014