Oral Answers to Questions

Amy Callaghan Excerpts
Thursday 11th March 2021

(3 years, 1 month ago)

Commons Chamber
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Andrew Gwynne Portrait Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Reddish) (Lab)
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What steps he is taking to help ensure the recovery of the UK aviation sector following the rollout of the covid-19 vaccine.

Amy Callaghan Portrait Amy Callaghan (East Dunbartonshire) (SNP)
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What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on support for the aviation industry.

Virendra Sharma Portrait Mr Virendra Sharma (Ealing, Southall) (Lab)
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What steps he is taking to support jobs in the aviation sector.

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Robert Courts Portrait Robert Courts
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The Government have given the aviation sector approximately £7 billion of support over the course of the pandemic. The Budget we heard last week from the Chancellor extended both the furlough scheme and the airport and ground operations support scheme for another six months. What we are doing to support and help the sector is the global travel taskforce. It is through getting people travelling sustainably and robustly that we will see brighter days ahead.

Amy Callaghan Portrait Amy Callaghan [V]
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Duty free arrival was not part of the Government’s post-Brexit consultations, despite industry stakeholders asking for it to be introduced. The Tory Government decision to end VAT-free shopping schemes for travellers will cost hundreds of jobs across Scotland. Establishing arrival duty free outlets could offset some of that. Can the Minister tell the House whether he lobbied the Chancellor prior to that decision? If so, will he continue to push the Treasury to change its view and save jobs?

Robert Courts Portrait Robert Courts
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The hon. Member will understand that there had to be a change on that taxation regime at the end of the transition period. All taxation matters are a matter for the Treasury. They are kept under review by the Chancellor at all times, and I am sure he has heard very carefully what she said.