Richard Branson criticises Donald Trump after hurricanes: 'Whole world knows climate change is real'

Virgin boss says hurricanes are 'the start of things to come'

Richard Branson's private Necker island in the British Virgin Islands was partially destroyed by Hurricane Irma (Twitter)

Richard Branson has criticised Donald Trump's views on climate change after several powerful hurricanes raked the Caribbean.

The Virgin boss made his remarks after his private Necker island in the British Virgin Islands was partially destroyed by Hurricane Irma.

In an interview on CNN, he was asked if he saw a correlation between climate change and the recent hurricanes.

"Look, you can never be 100 per cent sure about links" he replied, "but the scientists have said the storms are going to get more and more and more intense and more and more often."

Referring to hurricanes Irma, Jose, Maria and Katia, he added: "We've had four storms within a month, all far greater than have ever, ever, ever happened in history.

"Sadly, I think this is the start of things to come."

He went on to say: "Look, climate change is real. Ninety-nine per cent of scientists know it's real.

"The whole world knows it's real except for maybe one person in the White House."

After Hurricane Irma brought widespread destruction to the Caribbean and Florida Keys, Sir Richard appealed to the British Government to establish a "disaster recovery Marshall Plan" for the British Virgin Island and other Caribbean islands, referencing the US operation to rebuild western Europe in the wake of World War II.

“The UK government will have a massive role to play in the recovery of its territories affected by Irma - both through short-term aid and long-term infrastructure spending,” he wrote.

“The region needs a ‘Disaster Recovery Marshall Plan’ for the BVI and other territories that will aid in recovery, sustainable reconstruction and long-term revitalisation of the local economy."

He added: “Our thoughts are with all the people and regions hit by Hurricane Irma, and all those in the US communities currently facing the storm.”