MP Hilary Armstrong backs our air tax campaign

Nov 26 2009 by Adam Jupp, The Journal

LABOUR stalwart Hilary Armstrong has backed The Journal’s campaign against soaring Government air taxes.

We launched A Tax Too Far to call on Downing Street to reverse its plans to increase Air Passenger Duty (APD), which it is feared will have a devastating impact on the North East economy.

By next year, APD, which is passed on to passengers through ticket prices, will be four times what it was three years ago and that has led to concerns key routes will be lost to the region.

Bosses at Newcastle International Airport have revealed they lost around 500,000 passengers when APD last went up in 2007 and, with the business already suffering the effects of the recession, it is feared next year’s hike will deliver a similar blow.

That has led the MP for North West Durham to back our campaign and urge the Treasury to consider the impact on regional airports ahead of the planned rises.

She said: “I support The Journal’s campaign and I think we all recognise that aviation, like all other sectors of the economy, needs to address the challenge of climate change. From what I have seen, I think the airlines and airports understand this, and are trying to act accordingly.”

Ms Armstrong, a former chief whip and ally of Tony Blair, recently announced she plans to stand down at the next election.

She added: “Our airports are critical gateways and are very important to the North East and to businesses in the North East.

“I will continue to work with colleagues to ensure that Government addresses the issues that affect regional air transport – and I want to be sure that before any further duties are imposed that there is a thorough assessment by Government of regional impact.