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Conservatives Pledge VAT Refunds for Overseas Shoppers in Britain

By Drooid · Sep 21, 2026, 2:40 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Conservative Party pledged to restore VAT refunds for overseas shoppers in Great Britain.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said the scheme will initially cover non-EU visitors, adding EU visitors later if evidence supports it.
Conservatives estimate the policy would cost £540 million annually but attract 2.35 million extra visitors and £4.1 billion spending.
Treasury spokesperson rejected the proposal, noting existing VAT relief for exported goods and no legislative change required.

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Story summary

Conservative Party pledged to restore VAT refunds for overseas shoppers in Great Britain.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said the scheme will initially cover non-EU visitors, adding EU visitors later if evidence supports it.
Conservatives estimate the policy would cost £540 million annually but attract 2.35 million extra visitors and £4.1 billion spending.
Treasury spokesperson rejected the proposal, noting existing VAT relief for exported goods and no legislative change required.