Crawley MP Henry Smith leads call for Chancellor of the Exchequer to back Gatwick Airport and UK aviation by introducing duty-free shopping for arriving passengers

The letter, organised by the Crawley MP in his capacity as Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Future of Aviation, urges the Chancellor to introduce arrivals duty-free stores which would see the UK join 65 nations around the world including many in Asia and the Middle East.

The letter outlines that the move would see an increase in passenger spending by 20-30 per cent and would lead to the creation of new jobs.

This follows the Chancellor’s decision to reverse moves to reintroduce VAT-free shopping for international visitors and the letter highlights that this policy would come at no cost to the taxpayer.

Mr Smith said: “I’ve been leading calls for the Chancellor to introduce arrivals duty-free shopping across UK airports, international rail, and ferry terminals.

“This move would bring significant economic benefits to the UK and would support our aviation and travel industries as they continue their recovery from the pandemic.

“Whilst the introduction of a more generous duty-free allowance last year was welcome, the failure to introduce arrivals duty-free in the UK has left the economic benefits this provides outside the UK.

“It’s time that the Chancellor takes action to introduce arrivals duty-free shopping to boost UK aviation and travel, create new jobs and generate additional tax revenues and I urge him to do this in the upcoming Autumn Statement.

“The introduction of duty-free shopping for arriving passengers would provide a timely boost for the Crawley, Gatwick and UK aviation, travel and tourism industries.”

For more information on the Future of Aviation APPG please visit www.futureofaviationgroup.org.uk.