Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary has eviscerated the Chancellor over her “dead cow” plans to build a third runway at Heathrow Airport.
During an emotionally charged press conference following Rachel Reeves’ growth speech in Oxfordshire, the airline tycoon said the Chancellor “hasn’t a clue” about to how to kickstart the British economy.
“We don’t mind if she comes up with a third runway at Heathrow, although please understand it won’t be delivered until 2040 or 2050 at the earliest”, he said.
“But at least while you’re waiting for that dead cow to breathe life into that dead cat [the UK economy], can you please abolish APD [Air Passenger Duty] and allow us to get on with delivering real growth?”.
Earlier in the press conference, the tough-talking Irishman referred to the Chancellor as “Rachel Rubbish” and one of her junior ministers as a “dopery g**”.
During a rant about increases in APD – a tax paid by airlines for every passenger they fly – the 63-year-old said the Treasury, which Ms Reeves runs, was “out of touch” with “f****** reality”.
Specifically referring to a claim he alleged Treasury minister James Murray made about budget flights costing £200, Mr O’Leary said: “I don’t know what f****** airline this dopey g** actually flies on”.
Mr O’Leary also told the press conference that the British economy is suffering due to Ms Reeves’ ineptitude.
“The UK continues to lose out on enormous growth opportunities because you have a Chancellor who hasn’t a clue about how to deliver growth”, he said.
“[She] has had five years to get ready for it, and yet has managed to screw it up in her first budget.
“Nothing is designed to damage growth faster than increasing taxes on air travel,” he claimed.
Express.co.uk has approached the Treasury for comment.
