Scottish businesses have thrown their support behind the Fair Tax on Flying campaign, which is close to reaching its target of 100,000 signatures to MPs complaining about the high levels of air passenger duty.
The Scottish Chambers of Commerce, which represent more than half of all private sector jobs in Scotland, are backing the campaign to encourage people to email their MPs for a reduction in the tax.
The campaign, launched seven weeks ago, has seen 90,000 emails sent to MPs so far, but only 4,000 to Scottish MPs.
The Scottish Chamber, which represents 10,000 Scottish companies, has now joined the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, the Birmingham Chamber of Cmmerce and the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry in backing the campaign.
A Fair Tax on Flying calls for a major Treasury review into the impact of APD on the UK economy. It is also urging MPs to back a parliamentary motion opposing the tax, which has been signed by 75 MPs, including 15 from Scotland.
Scottish Chambers of Commerce head of policy and pubic affairs Garry Clark said: "APD is a not just a barrier to inbound tourism, it’s also a barrier to inbound investment and global connectivity. If the Government is serious about pulling Britain out of this economic slump, it needs to acknowledge the negative impact the highest aviation tax in the world is having on our businesses, and rethink its current stance on the issue. We are fully behind the www.afairtaxonflying.org campaign."
Chief executive of the British Air Transport Association Simon Buck said: "It is great news to see more supporters joining the campaign. It is now clear that we are drawing support from businesses across all regions of the UK as well as the tourism industry. It is time for the Chancellor to listen to what we are saying."
By Linsey McNeill
