FILE PHOTO: A man carries a Union Jack themed shopping bag as he walks along an empty shopping street in Blackpool, Britain, March 9, 2021. REUTERS/Phil Noble/File PhotoThe United Kingdom says it will reintroduce tax-free shopping for overseas visitors to boost the country’s retail sector.
Kwasi Kwarteng, UK finance minister and chancellor of the Exchequer, said this on Friday during the presentation of a mini-budget to the parliament. The previous tax-free shopping scheme was abolished at the end of 2020 by Rishi Sunak, former chancellor of the Exchequer, after Brexit — the withdrawal of the UK from the European Union .
“Britain welcomes millions of tourists every year, and I want our high streets and airports, our ports and our shopping centres, to feel the economic benefit. So we have decided to introduce VAT-free shopping for overseas visitors,” he said.Kwarteng said the government would replace the previous paper-based system with a digital one.
Me going to the Airport, and straight to UK to shop..