APD CALL MASKS REAL ISSUE - RICH AIRLINES GETTING OFF SCOT-FREE
Responding to today's comments by Scottish transport minister Keith Brown on air passenger duty, Green MSP Alison Johnstone says the real issue is airlines not paying their fair share of taxes.
The minister's suggestion of a tax cut comes as European airlines forecast increased annual profits of over a billion pounds.
Alison Johnstone, Green MSP for Lothian and a member of Holyrood's economy, energy and tourism committee, said:
“The real issue is that airlines are getting off scot-free. They don’t pay a penny of tax on fuel and they are failing to pay for the pollution they create, instead dumping these costs on passengers.
“The best gift an independent Scottish government could give passengers and the tourism industry, not just for Christmas but all year round, would be a tax system that makes highly profitable businesses pay a fairer share.”