UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Number 10 dismisses Commons debate on Prince Andrew, saying royals want MPs to focus on “important issues” despite Jeffrey Epstein scrutiny.
As reported by The Independent, Downing Street has ruled out a debate on Prince Andrew, citing the royal family’s wish to keep focus on parliamentary matters.
Prince Andrew faces growing pressure over his connection to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his Windsor mansion leased at a nominal rent.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer backed “proper scrutiny” of the Crown Estate, but Downing Street later signaled no Commons time would be allocated for debate.
What did Number 10 say about Prince Andrew and parliamentary time?
When asked whether the government would allocate time for a Commons debate, a Number 10 spokesperson responded,
“Prince Andrew has already confirmed he will not use his titles. We support the decision made by the royal family, and we know the royal family would not want to take time from other important issues.”
Pressed again on whether there would be a Commons debate on the matter, the spokesperson said,
“We know the royal family would not want to take time from other important issues.”
When questioned about stopping MPs from debating Mr Andrew’s conduct, the spokesperson replied,
“I don’t accept that. Any decision by committees to scrutinise developments are a matter for them.”
Asked if Number 10 considered debating Mr Andrew’s peppercorn lease at Royal Lodge a waste of parliamentary time, the spokesperson added, “That’s not what I’ve said.”
What did Sir Lindsay Hoyle say about MPs discussing Prince Andrew in parliament?
Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle said on Thursday that “there are ways for the House to properly consider the matter.”
The speaker described reports on whether MPs may discuss Prince Andrew in Parliament as “inaccurate.”
He said,
“I know there has been some commentary on what members of this House may or may not discuss in the chamber in relation to Prince Andrew, some of which is inaccurate. Any discussions about the conduct or reflections on members of the royal family can be properly discussed on the substantive motions.”
Mr Hoyle stated,
“And I know some members have already tabled such a motion. I am not able to allocate time for a debate on such a motion, but others are able to do so, if wishing to do that.”
The speaker added,
“But on questions, the long-standing practice of the House, as set out in Erskine May, is that criticism of members of the royal family cannot be made as part of questions. I hope this is helpful clarification, as there is lots of online speculation.”
What did Sir Alan Campbell say about MPs debating Andrew’s Dukedom?
Commons leader Sir Alan Campbell faced questions on whether MPs could debate the SNP motion to strip Prince Andrew of his dukedom.
He said,
“I know that there’s been speculation about legislation. But the palace have been clear that they recognise that there are other matters that this House needs to be getting on with, and we are guided in this by the palace.”
Mr Campbell added,
“That doesn’t mean that the House can’t find ways of debating these matters, whether it be the matter of titles, or whether it be a matter of the finances, which I know are under question here.”
The leader of the SNP in Westminster, Stephen Flynn, stated,
“I have laid a motion before this House which calls on the Government to listen to parliamentarians and to listen to the public and to listen to victims and take legislative action to remove the dukedom from Prince Andrew.”
He added,
“When is the Government going to come forward with that legislation?”
What did the survey reveal about public opinion on Prince Andrew’s titles?
An Ipsos survey conducted this week revealed 88% of respondents believe it was right for Prince Andrew to give up his titles.
A majority of respondents support a parliamentary act to strip Prince Andrew’s titles, with more than 80% expressing a negative view of the prince.
Who is Jeffrey Epstein?
Jeffrey Epstein was an American financier and convicted sex offender known for his wealth and connections. He was convicted in 2008 for soliciting a minor for prostitution and served about 13 months in jail with work release.
Epstein was arrested again in 2019 on federal charges for sex trafficking minors and died by suicide in jail in August 2019.
Recently, Peter Mandelson also stepped down as ambassador to the US over his links to Epstein, and now Prince Andrew faces ongoing scrutiny.
