Diane says air tax will hit Brits visiting family abroad unfairly

01 Nov 2010

Diane has slammed today’s rise in Air Passenger Duty saying it penalises ordinary passengers visiting family members in areas like the Caribbean.

Diane said the tax, which came into effect today, puts a huge strain on many Londoners who save up to visit family members abroad and will result in many being forced to cancel trips altogether.

Diane believes it is unfair that flying to destinations in the US such as California and LA, will cost less than flying to the Caribbean, despite the trip being further, and the US being one of the biggest producers of carbon emissions.

The rise will see £75 added to flights to the Caribbean – an increase of 50%, while those flying the longer journey to LA and California, will pay just £60 more – an increase of 33%.

Diane said:

“The vast majority of long haul trips made by my constituents will not be sun filled holidays to California, but trips made to visit family and friends, attend wedding and funerals in places like the Caribbean.

These are trips that many will have saved up for years to make and it is unfair that they will be forced to pay more than those flying to LA, despite flying a shorter distance.

In these tough economic times, many families will be forced to put off visits altogether, which will have a detrimental effect on areas like the Caribbean that rely on tourism.

Climate change is a huge concern but it is unfair that the government is pricing people out of areas where many Brits make infrequent long haul trips to visit family members, rather than sharing the burden fairly.”



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