UK Government Blocks MPs Debate on Prince Andrew Titles Conduct Amid Epstein Link

The UK government has declined to allocate parliamentary time for debates on Prince Andrew's titles and his rent-free lease of Royal Lodge amid renewed scrutiny following Virginia Giuffre's posthumous memoir allegations. Despite public and MP calls, including from Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, the government maintains that Prince Andrew has voluntarily ceased using his Duke of York title and that the Royal Family does not wish to divert attention from other important issues. While the government controls Commons debate scheduling, committees like the Public Accounts Committee plan to investigate Andrew's lease arrangements further. The Commons Speaker confirmed MPs can discuss the matter if a substantive motion is tabled, but the government has not supported such a motion. Critics argue for greater transparency on taxpayer funds spent on the Royal Lodge and for Prince Andrew to be scrutinized in parliamentary sessions. The government insists decisions on committee scrutiny are independent and denies blocking parliamentary debate outright, though the refusal significantly limits formal parliamentary discussion on Andrew's conduct and finances.