Ryanair is flying in face of electoral rules, says Vote Leave campaign
Ryanair’s campaign for the UK to stay in Europe could breach electoral rules, according to those pushing for Brexit.
The Electoral Commission states that any company intending to spend more than £10,000 campaigning in the referendum must register with it.
However, Ryanair has not registered even though it has stated it will spend almost double that amount trying to persuade the public to vote to remain in the UK on June 23.
Vote Leave has asked the commission to investigate Ryanair’s spending. It has also reported the airline to the Metropolitan Police for its discounted referendum airfares, which the campaigners claim amount to bribery.
A Ryanair spokesman told the Today programme on BBC Radio 4: "The Leave campaign must be getting really desperate if they’re objecting to low-fare air travel for British citizens.
"With less than four weeks to go, we will continue to work hard to help deliver a resounding Remain majority on 23 June – and ensure that the Leave loonies don’t ban low-fare air travel too."
An Electoral Commission spokesman said it had received a complaint from Vote Leave regarding the campaigning activity of Ryanair. It said it intended to ‘establish the facts’ before deciding what action, if any, to take.
It is believed Ryanair might not be subject to the regulation as it is registered in Ireland, not the UK.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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