MPs push for Prince Andrew debate in Parliament

Prince Andrew announced last week he would stop using his Duke of York title (Jordan Pettitt/PA) Jordan Pettitt

MPs are pressing for the conduct of members of the royal family to be debated in the Commons, Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle said. The calls come as Prince Andrew faces fresh scrutiny over his relationship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Sir Lindsay Hoyle said there had been "inaccurate" commentary on whether MPs are able to discuss Andrew in Parliament. He added: "There are ways for the House to properly consider this matter."

Revelations in the posthumous memoir of Andrew's sex accuser Virginia Giuffre have placed increasing pressure on the King's brother. Andrew announced last week he would stop using his Duke of York title.

Prime Minister responds to calls

Sir Keir Starmer (Labour) said there should be "proper scrutiny" of Andrew's rent-free mansion at Prime Minister's Questions. The response came after Liberal Democrats leader Sir Ed Davey asked whether MPs should "properly scrutinise the Crown Estate to ensure taxpayers' interests are protected".

Andrew has lived in Royal Lodge in Windsor on a peppercorn rent since 2003. He paid £1 million for the lease and a further £7.5 million for refurbishments.

Downing Street has backed calls for Andrew to go to the police with any information he has relating to Jeffrey Epstein's activities. The support came amid mounting pressure for the Duke to cooperate fully with authorities.

Parliamentary procedure clarified

Sir Lindsay told the Commons there had 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". He said discussions about royal family conduct "can be properly discussed on substantive motions".

The Speaker explained that some members had already tabled such motions. While he cannot allocate time for debates on such motions, others are able to do so if they wish.

He clarified that under long-standing House practice, criticism of royal family members cannot be made as part of questions. The Speaker said he hoped this would end "lots of online speculation" about parliamentary rules.

New bill targets title removal

York Central MP Rachael Maskell introduced draft legislation to allow the King to formally strip Andrew of his dukedom. The proposed Removal of Titles Bill would grant Parliament and the monarch the power to remove titles.

Currently, an Act of Parliament is required to formally remove Andrew's dukedom. Maskell, sitting as an Independent after having the Labour whip removed, said: "The Duke of York title may no longer be being used by its holder, but it has not been removed."

The Bill stands little chance of becoming law without Government support. Ministers have resisted calls to act, insisting such decisions are for the King.

Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).