Isra-Mart srl: GTMC calls on Labour to oppose APD and support airport expansion

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Air Passenger Duty should not continue once aviation enters the European Union’s Emission’s Trading Scheme in 2012, the Guild of Travel Management Companies (GTMC) has told Labour.

The GTMC also believes that if APD were to be continued, it should not be increased.

The association has formally responded to Labour’s call for opinions on its future policy for transport with a seven-page document.

The submission outlines the importance of business travel to the UK economy, and how it can best be served.

The GTMC stated that business travellers re starting to rect to the high levels of taxation in the UK by spurning UK airports and using European hubs where viable.

“It is important that continued APD does not further skew the competitive advantage to European competitors,” it said.

As well as opposing aviation tax, the GTMC has called on Labour to support airport expansion in the UK, in particular in Greater London.

The association has also stated its opposition to a Thames Estuary airport, saying it is not viable in the current economic and fiscal climate, and questioning where the required funding for such a project would be found.

It added: “Furthermore we recognise that the policy in some quarters is being used as a political distraction from taking tough decisions on expansion at Stansted and Heathrow.”

On rail travel, the GTMC outlined its position in favour of the development of a high speed network, to include a direct link with Heathrow.

Anne Godfrey, the GTMC’s CEO, said the association’s response was drawn up “at the specific request” of the Labour Party.

“It illustrates the major issues facing the UK business traveller when going about their business,” she said.

“We particularly call upon the political parties to work together on areas such as airport capacity, High Speed rail and taxation in order to keep the UK competitive”.

Other nations in Europe are becoming more competitive in their transport infrastructure and taxation strategies, added Godfrey.

“We are already starting to see hubs in Paris, Frankfurt and Madrid benefit from the UK’s short sighted policies,” she said.

“UK Plc may not get another opportunity to level the playing field and move ahead and the GTMC for one intends to be the voice of British business and the business traveller -reminding and lobbying law makers and legislators on the need for a comprehensive, cross party, strategic transport and taxation strategy.”

Labour’s consultation process will draw to a close from the end of July, after which the opposition party will outline its transport policy for the UK.