EMBARGOED: Not
for publication before 00.01 Wednesday 3rd February
2021
Ahead of a debate in the House of Commons, the SNP has renewed
its calls on the UK government to reverse its damaging decision
to scrap tax-free shopping for overseas visitors to the UK.
A motion relating to the Travellers’ Allowances and Miscellaneous
Provisions (EU Exit) Regulations will be debated tomorrow, which
if passed, will allow the Tory government to plough ahead with a
tax raid in the middle of an economic crisis.
The SNP’s Shadow Transport Secretary has repeatedly raised
concerns over the plans to hit duty-free shops that help pay for
wider operations at a time when airports are already on their
knees.
Business leaders in Scotland - including the Scottish Chambers of
Commerce and the Scottish Retail Consortium - have warned that
the pandemic has been “hugely challenging” for businesses, and
that they are “deeply concerned” at the decision to abolish the
VAT-free schemes.
The UK government’s own consultation on the issue revealed there
was almost unanimous support for the continued operation of the
VAT Retail Export Scheme and the airside extra-statutory
concession scheme – but the Tories plan to scrap both
schemes.
Commenting, said:
“Having refused SNP demands to protect Heathrow-Scotland routes
in law, it is no surprise the UK Government is ignoring the
concerns that this policy will negatively affect our airports and
our economy.
“The coronavirus pandemic has already taken its toll on
businesses across Scotland and the UK – with tens of thousands of
job losses and businesses pulling down their shutters. Now is not
the time to be ploughing ahead with a tax raid.
“Business leaders have warned that around 40,000 jobs could be at
risk and overseas shoppers put off from coming to the UK. – but
the Tories haven’t even batted an eyelid and seem content to
plough ahead with their damaging plans.
“The tourism, retail and hospitality sectors – essential to
Scotland’s economy - have been acutely affected by the pandemic
and UK government decisions. Any further harm inflicted upon them
by Tory policy could cripple these industries and their supply
chains.
“The consequences of Brexit, which many warned about, are also
now becoming reality and have had a devastating impact on
Scotland’s businesses and industries. It's clear that the only
way to protect our economy, jobs and businesses is to become an
independent country with our place in the EU."
ENDS
Notes for editors:
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2020/1412/introduction/made
https://www.thenational.scot/news/18837473.businesses-urge-govt-keep-vat-free-shopping/
https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/edinburgh-news/plans-scrap-tax-free-shopping-19329959
