Reform UK Proposes APD Cut for Families on Short-Haul Flights

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and shadow chancellor Robert Jenrick announced plans Tuesday to eliminate air passenger duty on shorthaul flights for families traveling with children, aiming to ease holiday costs amid rising energy prices from the Middle East conflict.

The proposal, unveiled at Heathrow Airport, would scrap the tax for any adult purchasing an economy ticket alongside at least one passenger under 18. Jenrick described the levy as a "family holiday tax" and said it would save an average family of four £45 on international shorthaul flights to destinations like Spain or Portugal, or £48 on domestic UK routes. For a trip to Malaga, he noted, the policy would reduce costs by £23 per family. "We appreciate that's not a huge amount of money, but it's an important saving that will make it just a bit easier to have that family trip, to have a bit of fun, to get away and spend time with your loved ones," Jenrick said. The exemption would extend to grandparents, aunts, uncles and school groups.

Reform UK estimates the change would cost the Treasury £142 million annually, funded through proposed savings of £40 billion in government spending, including reductions in benefits...