UK-Wide APD Cut Would Boost Business - Paisley

North Antrim MP Ian Paisley has called upon the Government to act on a reduction of Air Passenger Duty for the whole of the United Kingdom.

The DUP MP was speaking after the Chief Executive of International Airlines Group, the owners of British Airways, gave evidence to the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee at Westminster.

Mr Paisley said: "It was welcome to hear the level of commitment expressed from British Airways today to Northern Ireland. Whilst we must always monitor what happens it was at least positive that our national flag carrier has expressed this commitment to operating from the Province.

"Air connectivity is vital to the Northern Ireland economy and this was recognised by the Executive with the campaign to devolve Air Passenger Duty for long-haul flights from Northern Ireland. Whilst this has been very positive, particularly for our links to North America, there is no doubt that a UK-wide move on Air Passenger Duty for all flights would be a huge boost for the economy.

"A reduction of APD for all flights would have to be a UK wide initiative but it would be of great benefit to Northern Ireland. Air Passenger Duty drives away business and this has been recognised elsewhere. The United Kingdom has the highest rate of this flight tax in the world, with passengers paying out over eight times what the average APD is in the rest of Europe. This obviously puts the whole of the UK at a disadvantage, but particularly regions such as Northern Ireland which are even more reliant on air transport.

"It is deeply disappointing that the Chancellor George Osborne has apparently not even responded to letters from the airlines on this issue. There is a real need for action from the Government however, given the problems we’re still facing in taking our economy out of the recession which has affected us all for so long."

(CD/GK)