Keir Starmer faces mounting pressure to permit parliamentary discussions on Prince Andrew’s situation. Downing Street has clarified that the Government has no current plans to schedule debates on the royal controversy in the Commons.
This development follows Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle’s statement that while the matter could be deliberated in the chamber, he lacks the authority to allocate time for royal discussions under parliamentary regulations.
Labour MP Clive Lewis urged the Prime Minister to enable a debate on the issue, expressing frustration over the government’s reluctance to address urgent questions related to the royal family. Lewis emphasized the necessity for elected officials to hold the monarchy accountable by scrutinizing matters like royal-owned land and tax privileges within the democratic framework.
Recent revelations revealed that Prince Andrew has resided in Royal Lodge in Windsor at a nominal rent since 2003. Discussions in the Commons regarding Andrew’s connections with Jeffrey Epstein and his rent-free residency can only occur through a formal motion, with the Government controlling the majority of parliamentary time.
Ministers privately called for Prince Andrew to vacate the Windsor Estate, accusing him of dishonorable conduct and exploiting state resources. The Commons spending watchdog announced intentions to investigate the lease agreements for the mansion, with Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown of the Public Accounts Committee planning to raise pertinent inquiries with the Crown Estate and the Treasury.
No. 10 affirmed that parliamentary time would not be allocated to debate Prince Andrew’s actions, citing the royal family’s preference for Parliament to focus on pressing national matters.
Labour peer Lord Foulkes criticized the limitations on urgent questions related to the royal family, advocating for a revision of antiquated rules to enable Parliament to scrutinize the monarchy effectively. According to parliamentary guidelines outlined in Erskine May, criticism of the royal family necessitates inclusion in a substantive motion.
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