Motion text
That this House expresses its alarm at the decision to end the VAT Retail Export Scheme commonly known as Tax-free shopping at the end of 2020, apparently without any assessment of the direct and wider impact on the retail, hospitality and tourism sectors in Edinburgh and across Scotland; notes that visitors to Edinburgh and Scotland from international destinations such as China, USA and other countries make a valuable contribution to our economy including through the purchase of iconic Scottish goods and holidaying here; further notes that the UK would be the only country in Europe not to operate tax free shopping if the scheme ends; acknowledges that the Scottish Retail Consortium, Scottish Tourism Alliance, Essential Edinburgh business improvement district and others have voiced their concerns over the end of tax free shopping; and calls on UK Ministers to reconsider or postpone the ending of the tax relief until a full impact assessment is undertaken and discussions are held with industry on possible alternative solutions.
Signatures (7)
The first 6 Members who have signed to support the motion are the sponsors. The primary sponsor is generally the person who tabled the motion and has responsibility for it. The date shown is when the Member signed the motion.
Cruddas, Jon
Labour
Signed on
19 October 2020
Shannon, Jim
Democratic Unionist Party
Signed on
20 October 2020
Spellar, John
Labour
Signed on
20 October 2020
Smith, Alyn
Scottish National Party
Signed on
2 November 2020
Thomson, Richard
Scottish National Party
Signed on
2 November 2020
Sheppard, Tommy
Scottish National Party
Signed on
2 November 2020
In addition to the sponsors, the following Members have signed to support the motion.
There are no withdrawn signatures for this motion.