The Government has indicated it will not schedule parliamentary debate time for MPs to examine Prince Andrew’s affairs, despite mounting calls for a formal discussion on his conduct.
Downing Street’s position emerged following increased pressure from MPs seeking to scrutinise the disgraced royal’s living arrangements at Royal Lodge in Windsor, where he resides without paying market rent.
The Government’s stance comes amid growing parliamentary interest in examining the financial arrangements surrounding Andrew’s occupancy of the Crown Estate property.
When questioned about allocating parliamentary time for discussing Andrew’s conduct, the Prime Minister’s spokesman stated: “Prince Andrew has already confirmed he will not use his titles.”
The Government has indicated it will not schedule parliamentary debate time for MPs to examine Prince Andrew’s affairs, despite mounting calls for a formal discussion on his conduct.
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The spokesman added: “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.”
Upon further questioning, the spokesman clarified that scrutiny decisions by parliamentary committees remained their own responsibility.
The spokesperson emphasised: “The Prime Minister supports proper scrutiny of the Crown Estates and all uses of taxpayers’ money.”
Sir Keir Starmer faced questions about Andrew’s accommodation arrangements during Wednesday’s Prime Minister’s Questions, when Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey enquired whether MPs should “properly scrutinise the Crown Estate to ensure taxpayers’ interests are protected” in light of “revelations about Royal Lodge”.
Downing Street’s position emerged following increased pressure from MPs seeking to scrutinise the disgraced royal’s living arrangements at Royal Lodge in Windsor, where he resides without paying market rent.
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Sir Keir Starmer responded by affirming there should be “proper scrutiny” of the royal’s accommodation at the Windsor property.
Andrew has occupied Royal Lodge under a peppercorn rent arrangement since 2003, having initially paid £1 million to secure the lease and subsequently investing £7.5 million in property refurbishments.
The exchange highlighted cross-party concern about the financial arrangements surrounding the royal residence.
The Commons Speaker has moved to clarify parliamentary procedures following what he termed “inaccurate” commentary about MPs’ ability to debate Andrew’s affairs.
The Commons Speaker has moved to clarify parliamentary procedures following what he termed “inaccurate” commentary about MPs’ ability to debate Andrew’s affairs.
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Sir Lindsay Hoyle told the House: “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.
“There is understandably great interest from members and from the public on this matter. For the benefit of the House, I would like to be clear that there are ways for the House to properly consider this matter.
“Any discussions about the conduct or reflections on members of the royal family can be properly discussed on the substantive motions. 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.
“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.”