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.

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...