Government rejects calls for debate on Prince Andrew

The government has dismissed requests from MPs to debate Prince Andrew’s titles and taxpayer-funded residence, despite mounting demands for accountability. This move effectively halts any efforts to pass legislation aimed at stripping Prince Andrew of his dukedom, just a day after ex-Labour MP Rachel Maskell introduced a bill in the Commons. Downing Street refuted claims of obstructing debate, emphasizing that Prince Andrew voluntarily agreed to stop using his titles after renewed allegations regarding his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Amidst calls from the Liberal Democrats for an inquiry into the arrangement allowing Prince Andrew to reside rent-free at the 30-room Royal Lodge for two decades, journalists pressed the Prime Minister’s spokesperson on whether the government, which controls the parliamentary timetable, would allocate time for discussions on Andrew’s titles and financial matters. The spokesperson reiterated the government’s stance, noting that the Royal Family would prioritize other pressing issues over this matter. Meanwhile, the public accounts committee chair, Tory MP Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, announced plans to seek further details on the lease agreements for the Royal Lodge from the Crown Estate and the government.

Prince Andrew’s connection to Jeffrey Epstein faced renewed scrutiny following the release of Virginia Giuffre’s memoir, shedding light on fresh allegations against them. Despite reaching a financial settlement with Giuffre in 2022, Prince Andrew maintains his innocence. In anticipation of Giuffre’s book, Prince Andrew proclaimed his decision to relinquish his royal titles, with only legislation having the authority to formally revoke his dukedom, which currently remains inactive. Alongside calls for Andrew to surrender his Royal Lodge residence in Windsor Great Park – where he reportedly paid a nominal rent for over two decades – pressure persists for him to address Parliament regarding the lease arrangement

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