'SCRAP THE TOURIST TAX THAT'S HARMING LONDON'

 INEVITABLE THAT IT WILL BE DITCHED - SO THE SOONER THE BETTER, SAY TOP BOSSES IN CAPITAL

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RISHI SUNAK was today urged by business leaders to take the “no-brainer” decision to scrap his tourist tax on foreign shoppers before irreparable damage is done to London’s global reputation.

There is growing alarm that over the first summer peak holiday season without any Covid restrictions millions of visitors will return to their home countries with the message that the capital is too expensive compared with rival destinations such as Paris, Milan or Madrid.

Today the boss of luxury retailer Watches of Switzerland added his voice to the chorus of pleas calling for a change of heart from the Government “the sooner the better”. Brian Duffy told the Evening Standard: “Our view is that it is inevitable the decision will be reversed, the numbers are compelling in showing the benefit VAT-free shopping can bring. Britain has long been a favourite and iconic destination to come and shop, but we have now made it more difficult for ourselves to attract tourists.

“The sooner the better for bringing back VAT-free shopping. We would like to see a proper independent review conducted, and for the Government to do what is right for UK PLC.” The Evening Standard led the campaign of opposition to the axing of VAT-free shopping by Mr Sunak when he was chancellor in January 2021.

The move immediately made it 20 per cent more expensive for foreign tourists to shop in London because they could not reclaim the VAT on the purchases they take home as they leave the UK.

London businesses fear billions of pounds of spending is being lost because tourists from Asia, America and the Middle East in particular are opting to do their shopping in other European cities that still have the perk.