Plans to axe air duty could see parties team up

SNP ministers are poised to team up with the Conservatives in a bid to slash taxes for families and businesses flying in and out of Scotland.

Murdo Fraser, the shadow finance secretary, unveiled plans to scrap air passenger duty on all long haul flights in a move he argued would boost Scotland’s economy and save travellers hundreds of pounds.

Opponents on the left reacted furiously as the Scottish Government said it was looking “forward to persuading parliament as a whole on this.”

Mr Fraser unveiled plans to remove the air travel tax on flights further than 2,000 miles when it is devolved to the Scottish Parliament.

In its 2016 election manifesto, the SNP pledged to half APD, starting gradually in April 2018 before making the full tax cut by 2021.

It added: “Air Passenger Duty will be abolished entirely when resources allow.”

Mr Fraser argued his proposed move would incentivise airlines to provide new direct links from Scotland to the likes of America and China and reduce the need for families and businesses to travel through London’s airports.

He said: “This is a winwin. It makes thing more convenient for travellers, it helps with our carbon footprint by reducing the number of connecting flights, and it will boost tourism and trade.”

Conservatives say the changes would cost £145 million.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “UK APD has been the most expensive tax of its kind in Europe and continues to act as a barrier to Scotland’s ability to secure new direct international services and maintain existing ones.”