Critics say the levy is damaging London's standing as a financial centre.

Non-EU airlines say the levy is discriminatory.

Osborne said the levy will be reduced gradually over the next six years.

The airline said the levy will apply to all bookings from next Monday.

But for now, Boult said the levy plans had been put to bed.

MBIE said the levy had not been hit hard by Covid-19 travel restrictions.

Finnish Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen said the levy was fair.

Mr Miliband said the levy would fund the creation of alternative lenders like credit unions.

But Jewell said the levy remained relevant.

It said the levies amounted to "a return of property tax by the back door".

Mr Davis said the levy advisory group charged with shaping where the funding went should be announced shortly.

The British Banking Association has said the levy could reduce annual lending by up to 10 billion pounds.

He said the levy would be imposed on ordinary policyholders right throughout the State, on all their insurance policies.

It said the levies were pushing up prices by around 2.5 per cent EU-wide.

ACC Minister Nikki Kaye said the levies were set at a prudent level so they could be sustainable long term.

Apiculture New Zealand's chief executive Karin Kos said the levy was in line with what other primary sector groups faced.