Tories say tax threatens Kent Airport future
08.06.08
The future of Kent International Airport is under threat because of new aviation taxes, according to Conservatives in east Kent. Laura Sandys, who will battle Labour vice-chairman Stephen Ladyman for his South Thanet seat at the next election, says freight flights at the site will be hit hard if the new rules are implemented as currently planned.
The Government plans, which will be voted on this autumn, will see airport tax for passengers scrapped and replaced with a new tax on aircraft movements. It will apply to freight flights for the first time, and could see air freight sent to other European countries and brought to the UK by road.
Ms Sandys said: ‘The Government’s new aviation tax policy will threaten the future of Manston Airport with freight flights that represent 80% of their current business moving across the Channel. This tax will hit Manston at a crucial moment in its development.’ Roger Gale, the Tory MP for North Thanet, added that the new tax will have ‘very serious implications’ for Manston.
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