Rachel Reeves’ Autumn Budget 2024 dig came as she announced a private jet passenger duty hike to MPs.
Rachel Reeves made a sly one-word dig at Prince Harry and Meghan as she announced a huge hike in private jet air passenger duties.
Addressing the chamber in the Autumn Budget 2024, the Chancellor unveiled a raft of financial changes, including a whopping £40m package of tax-busting measures.
Private jet users will be stung by an additional 50 percent – which is the equivalent of £450 per person. Reeves then looked up and said: “to say, California?”
The joke has been perceived as directed at ex-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, but it could also apply to the the air-mile habits of Prince Harry and Meghan who have been known to use private jets to get around.
The Sussexes have faced criticism in the past for using private jets while also talking about the importance of the climate crisis.
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Prince Harry and Meghan have been previously criticised for using private jets (Image: Getty)
Harry and Meghan came under fire for private jet usage (Image: Getty)
MailOnline reports that Harry and Meghan have previously opted to fly in a 12-seater Cessna jet when they go privately.
The plane has a luxurious interior with huge bathrooms, leather seats, Wi-fi and working desks.
Retailing at a reported £5,675,588, the jet is an impressive way to get around.
Harry and Meghan have also been known to fly first class on commercial flights, as they did on the way back from their tour of Nigeria this year.
According to reports, they flewo back in the First Class section of the Boeing 777.
While Ms Reeves’ joke in Parliament was aimed at Mr Sunak, the new policy could make Harry and Meghan think twice about flying privately again.
Sunak used private jets regularly as prime minister (Image: Getty)
Unveiling the hike on provate jet duties, Ms Reeves said: “APD has not kept up with inflation in recent years, so we are increasing an adjustment, meaning an incincrease of no more than £2 for a short haul economy flight. But I am taking a different approach when it comes to private jet.”
“Increasing the rate of APD by a further 50%, that is equivalent of £450 per passenger for a private jet to say…California.”
Last year, it was reported that Mr Sunak had used jets and helicopters to travel around the UK more than any other recent Prime Minister.
A Freedom of Information request revealed that he had taken 23 domestic flights on jets and helicopters in 187 days.
