Yes it is getting pretty ridiculous in the UK on the APD.

They won't introduce a banking levy as it makes us uncompetitive but an airline levy is absolutely fine.....

My understanding is if you are connecting APD does not apply so if you're on personal travel I guess a short trip to AMS or MAD then back to LHR might do the the trick. I am thinking of doing this for a trip to Hong Kong as the APD will be £150 for a Premium Economy booking from Nov.