Over half of businesses in London (56 per cent) believe that Airport Passenger Duty (APD) is a barrier to the exporting activity of their business, according to new figures released by the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).

The research comes as new figures from the ‘Fair Tax on Flying’ campaign show that nearly 20,000 people in London have backed the campaign and written to their MP calling for APD to be made fairer.  Every MP in London, including the Business Secretary and the Transport Secretary, has been contacted by constituents backing the campaign.

APD, which all passengers leaving the UK have to pay, was introduced in 1994 and is now the highest in the world, acting as a barrier to both business travellers and tourists.  The campaign is calling for the Government to independently examine the impact the tax is having on the UK economy.

Colin Stanbridge, Chief Executive of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry said “Exporting will play a vital part in getting the UK economy growing again and we need to ensure that businesses are given the best environment possible in which to export.  APD is too high and is damaging businesses potential to export.

“It is fantastic that so many people have contacted their MP.  I urge all those who have been contacted to listen to their constituents and put pressure on the Chancellor to look again at the impact of APD.”