UK's Planned VAT on International Schools Sparks Diplomatic Tensions

German and French ambassadors urge the UK to exempt international schools from new tax measures, citing potential cultural and economic impacts.

The UK government plans to remove VAT exemptions on private school fees starting January, imposing a 20% tax.
German and French ambassadors argue that international schools should be excluded from this tax due to their unique role in serving expatriate communities.
The proposed VAT changes could lead to a significant number of students leaving international schools, with estimates suggesting 20-25% of students may be affected.
Ambassadors warn that the tax could strain UK relations with Germany and France and impact businesses relying on these schools for employees' children.
The Labour Party's VAT policy aims to fund additional teachers for state schools but faces criticism for its potential unintended consequences.