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KJM TODAY
Books for 2020:
(Details below the Home Page Opinion)
Opinion
Taxing Ourselves Out of Existence
There has been a string of UK businesses in recent times that have gone bust. That some of these have not been run as well as they might have been is not in dispute. That some did not adapt to the changing ways in which business is done in today’s world is also not in dispute but there is one common thread running throughout all of them - tax.
More correctly, the absurd and abusively high levels of tax placed upon businesses, from that levied on high street shops to airlines like Flybe.
Whatever one thinks about aviation, there can be no argument that it brings huge benefits to the UK as a whole in every area. Yes, it can, and must, do more to be cleaner and greener – that is a change that is happening. But the amount of taxation in the UK is far higher than elsewhere in the world and in particular, Air Passenger Duty, or APD.
Commenting on the speculation regarding Flybe and the reform of Air Passenger Duty for domestic travel, Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK, said:
“It’s an anomaly that particularly hurts regional aviation as it’s levied on both legs of a return journey. Irrespective of the Flybe situation we hope the Government will take a closer look at this – and all other elements of our ruinously high and uncompetitive APD – as we need to support our strategically vital regional air connectivity and levying £26 in tax when - in the case of Flybe - the average fare is £52 - is not sustainable when so many other costs on airlines are increasing.
“APD is not and never has been an environmental tax. It has no bearing on the ability of the aviation industry to decarbonise and achieve net zero emissions by 2050. This will be achieved via a range of other measures, including airspace modernisation, the development of sustainable aviation fuels, new, cleaner planes, and the UN carbon offsetting scheme CORSIA, which captures growth in all emissions from international aviation and will mitigate around 2.5 billion tonnes of CO2 between 2021 and 2035.”
Mr Alderslade is correct in his assertion that APD is indeed ‘ruinous’. It is time that this tax on travel, on business, holiday, for any other reason and on the lifeline that aviation provides is either reduced substantially or better yet, removed entirely.oved.
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© KJM Today, 2019
Details of our books for 2020.
NEW BOOKS:
Now available - the Third Edition of Comments of a Common Man
An excoriating look at life in the UK today, taking aim at Politicians, Police, the NHS, Education, the shocking cost of housing and other subjects of concern to those living in the UK.
This is a book that should be read by everybody.
Available as a paperback or on Kindle, just £9.99 from Amazon or you can order a copy from us:
email now -
Now available - Airport Days and Nights Evolution
The sister book to Airport Days and Nights Terminals and Runways, this takes readers on a personal journey back in time, up to the present day and shows the development of airports used by the authors. Packed with full colour photographs this is an evocative portrayal of personal and technological growth.
Paperback £17.99 from Amazon or you can order a copy from us:
email now -
Now available - Heathrow Airport 70 Years and Counting
A second edition of Kevan James' earlier history of Heathrow, brought right up to date and including the latest developments concerning the new runway. Controversially, the author calls for two new runways at the airport and not just one. The book also includes a direct comparision with New York's John F. Kennedy airport - Heathrow's busiest route. With three new chapters and substantially re-written throughout, the book will attract those interested in social history and development, as well as aviation and airport enthusiasts.
A solid, hardback book with a RRP of £19.99, you can order a copy from us: email now -
Or buy your copies now here:
https://www.lulu.com/shop/search.ep?keyWords=heathrow+airport+70+years+and+counting&type=
Reader's Remarks on Heathrow Airport 70 Years and Counting:
Kevan James has knitted his own personal reflections and experiences into what could otherwise have been a considerably less compelling narrative, had it been purely historical. His personal anecdotes, experiences and reflections throughout the book make it a compelling read for anybody who has known and experienced Heathrow in any capacity.
(Paul S. London, UK)
This is a well-written and interesting account of Heathrow’s history – the most interesting airport in Britain. It’s good to know where it came from and what happened there, and to reflect on what goes on behind the scenes, and where it might be going in the future.
(Matt Falcus, The Airport Spotting Blog - http://www.airportspotting.com/)
The heart and soul of the world's most iconic airport
(Andy Martin)
Eloquent writing and full of interesting facts
(Marnix Groot, Editor. AirportHistory.org)
If ordering books from KJM Today, please allow 28 days for delivery
P & P within the UK is free.
Postage rates to other countries may vary
Have you got a book project or idea?
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Use the Get In Touch form below and let us know - we'd be happy to consider either or both!
Books have always been a part of life and even today, they are still.
The printed book, and for that matter magazines and newspapers, face a challenging time in the face of the digital onslaught but there is nothing like a book; a tangible thing that one can hold, feel, and yes, love also.
The digital version is a flimsy on-screen nothing, swiped away with the flick of a finger, deleted when done with.
A book may last more than a lifetime.
Available Now -
Comments of a Common Man Edition 3
Heathrow Airport 70 Years and Counting
Heathrow; Days Out at the UK's Premier International Airport.
Airport Days and Nights Terminals and Runways.
Airport Days and Nights Evolution
Boyhood; Soccer, Skaters, Streets and Suchlike
The Posts of Roche Fokke
Boysold (a novel, part one of a trilogy)
Please note that the opinions expressed on KJM Today are those of the contributors concerned and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of KJM Today.
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