Westfield UK boss backs Labour plan after VAT-free blow

THE UK boss of Westfield today became one of the highest profile business leaders in London to openly back Labour's policies for the retail sector as he attacked the "utter disappointment" of Jeremy Hunt's failure to restore tax-free shopping for foreign tourists or reform business rates.

- Jonathan Prynn

Scott Parsons, chief operating officer, UK at French-owned Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, owner and operator of the Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City malls, said yesterday's Budget was "an utter disappointment for the retail and property sectors, with no significant announcement on business rates and no U-turn on tax-free shopping for tourists. These are clear missed opportunities especially in this all-important election year.