CHANCELLOR’S PLANS THREATEN SCOTTISH AIRPORTS’ SURVIVAL

2020 has been an extremely difficult year for the aviation sector, yet the UK Government has decided to inflict yet another blow. The Chancellor recently took the inexplicable decision to scrap tax-free shopping for international tourists as of 1st January 2021. This will leave Britain as the only country in Europe without a tax-free shopping scheme for international visitors.

There is widespread concern that this could seriously harm airports’ income, threatening up to 70,000 jobs and even risk the viability of some smaller airports.

I asked the Secretary of State for Transport what concerns he has about this move, but unfortunately the UK Government continues to be unwilling to support the ailing aviation sector.

You can watch the exchange below.