Worries over an impending rise in the cost of living owing to higher energy bills and other factors, however, dominate Friday’s news agenda.
Elsewhere, there are calls from tourism chiefs to extend the reduced rate of VAT on UK tourism and hospitality. There are also renewed hopes of a winter sports holiday boost now the Winter Olympics is under way in Beijing.
Here are the key national headlines on Friday 4 February.
Portugal to drop test for UK arrivals
Portugal will drop mandatory negative Covid tests for British holidaymakers who have been fully vaccinated. Air passengers who arrive with a valid digital European Union certificate or recognised proof of vaccination will be exempt from tests. No date was announced for the change, but rules now in force were meant to last until 9 February. (The Daily Mail)
VAT freeze ‘would create 286,000 new jobs’
Hospitality bosses have urged ministers to halt a planned VAT rise this spring, claiming a retention of the lower rate could generate £7.7 billion additional turnover in the next decade. A study by groups including the Tourism Alliance and the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions forecasts keeping VAT at 12.5% instead of 20% would create more than 286,000 jobs over the next decade. (City AM)
Energy bills ‘to increase again’ in October
Energy costs will continue to increase into next winter, with the price cap likely to rise by at least £350 on top of the £693 in April, according to analysts. Energy consultancy Cornwall Insight predicted direct debit customers will see bills rocket again by £358 to £2,329, an 18% increase on April’s cap. (The i)
Beijing Winter Olympics begin
Winter sports operators will be hoping for a sales boost off the back of the Winter Olympics, which start today in China. Snowboarder Katie Ormerod is among Britain’s medal hopes. (Sky News)
Migrant boat sinks off Canary Islands
At least one person has drowned and 16 are missing after a dinghy capsized off Fuerteventura on Wednesday. Emergency crews rescued 41 people from the semi-sunken boat around 22 miles offshore. (Sky News)
