Virgin Atlantic says tax increases are out of control

www.virgin-atlantic.com

The president of Virgin Atlantic, Sir Richard Branson, has branded the rise on aviation taxes by the British government out of control.

Branson warned that the proposal to raise the passenger tax by as much as 113 per cent on some routes will have a devastating impact on the travelling public as well as developing nations in the Caribbean and Africa.

The rise would see tax on a flight from London to Australia more than double from £80 to £170, meaning a couple who were flying down under would have to fork out £340 before even receiving a ticket.

Virgin Atlantic have said that from now on, all their e-tickets will be have a message criticising the British government about the new tax and asking passengers to visit their site www.virginatlantic.com/unjusttax to voice their support of against the increase in passenger tax.

“Air Passenger Duty is one of the most unjust taxes out there. The UK Government has been quietly increasing APD by huge amounts and claiming it is an environmental tax. Yet, there’s not a shred of evidence to suggest the £2 billion plus currently raised is going towards environmental or sustainable projects,” said Mr Branson.

Virgin said they are in all favour of the proposed scheme to reduce global emissions by trading, with the proceeds going to find cleaner energy solutions.

www.virgin-atlantic.com