Should the UK reintroduce VAT-free shopping for international tourists?
The UK scrapped the VAT Retail Export Scheme in 2021, ending refunds for overseas visitors on goods bought and taken home from Great Britain. As of 2026 the scheme remains unavailable, placing the UK at a disadvantage to European rivals like France and Italy. The opposition Conservatives pledged on 21 September 2026 to restore refunds for non-EU tourists, citing potential gains of £4.1 billion in extra spending and 2.35 million additional visitors, offset by tighter NHS charging for ineligible overseas patients.
5 Opinions
Yes. Stimulating the economy should mean more jobs for British people.
They get no value out of VAT they don’t reside here. I wouldn’t expect to pay it in any other country.
A fair tax system doesn't carve out regressive loopholes for international luxury consumers while domestic taxpayers pay full VAT on daily essentials. The £4.1bn benefit cited by lobbyists vastly overstates reality... the OBR has long pointed out that wealthy tourists don't plan entire trips around saving 20% on a watch.
VAT one of the most crooked taxes ever. Paid by the final consumer, means you my fellow ordinary citizen. Do not see why allow to make it even more open to fraud. After all tourists are the final consumers.
I like it when foreigners spend money here because, you know, we get to make money. I’m not sure what the objection even is. Again — can we stop distorting the market for FIVE minutes?