Reform UK commits to eliminating Air Passenger Duty (APD) for short-haul flights, aiming to reduce costs for family holidays. Party leader Nigel Farage announces this as a top priority for a potential Reform government.
Key Pledge Details
Nigel Farage states: “We believe that if you set your alarm, get up early and work hard then the government should give you a break. This Brexit benefit demonstrates the real difference a Reform government will make by putting money back in your pocket.”
Reform’s Treasury spokesman Robert Jenrick reveals the plan during an event at Heathrow Airport. He explains that the average family stands to save around £45 on a flight to Europe by scrapping APD on short-haul trips.
Savings Breakdown
Jenrick elaborates: “In our first budget we will get rid of the Family Holiday Tax. Air Passenger Duty will be gone for short-haul trips. If you were catching a plane to Malaga, you would save 23 per cent on the cost of your flights. Now we appreciate that’s not a huge amount of money, but it’s an important saving that will make it that bit easier to have that family trip, to have a bit of fun, to get away with your loved ones.”
The policy targets adults traveling with children under 18, Jenrick confirms.
Context and Criticism
Jenrick criticizes Chancellor Rachel Reeves for raising APD from £13 to £15 per economy short-haul flight abroad, effective tomorrow amid the cost-of-living crisis.
Reform estimates the policy costs £120 million annually, offset by £40 billion in projected savings from migrant and welfare reforms.
Industry Support
A Heathrow spokesperson responds positively: “Aviation is crucial to the UK’s economy and high levels of air passenger duty are a barrier to connectivity and our ability to compete internationally. We welcome any proposals that would reduce air passenger duty.”
