GTMC members debate hot topics with MPs at parliamentary dinner

Wednesday, 13 Nov, 2018 0

GTMC chairmman Paul Allan has warned MPs that government policy has failed to match its rhetoric that ‘Britain is open for business’ following the EU referendum.

He also took a swipe at the Chancellor’s failure to reduce air passenger duty, which is the highest in Europe.

Speaking at a parliamentary dinner hosted by the business travel organisation, Allan added: "We should be doing everything in our power to create the conditions for economic success.

"In case anyone has forgotten, we are an island nation so it’s hard to see how levying the highest rate of tax on air travel in the world is compatible with this goal."

The dinner was attended by 11 MPs, including Luke Pollard, previously head of public affairs at ABTA, and former deputy speaker Nigel Evans, now a member of the International Trade Select Committee.

Around 40 representatives from the GMTC’s travel management company membership attended and all were giving facetime with the MPs at the dinner, where Allan addressed the room.

"We’re working hard to make sure that the needs and issues of importance to business travel are effectively voiced to government," he said. "Recently we’ve been speaking to decision makers on runway capacity, APD and open-access in the rail industry. It’s very important that business travel is viewed as an investment and not a cost."

Linsey McNeill

Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk

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