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Liam Byrne, chairman of the cross-party Business and Trade Committee, has indicated that MPs may look into the conduct of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor during his tenure as a UK trade envoy. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Byrne noted that the committee is scheduled to meet next Tuesday to deliberate on whether and how to proceed with an investigation. He emphasized that MPs take the allegations seriously and are determined not to let any concerns go unexamined.
Recent documents released by the US Department of Justice suggest that the former Duke of York might have shared sensitive government and commercial information with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. In particular, files indicate that in 2010, Andrew forwarded reports from official visits to countries such as Vietnam, Singapore, and China to Epstein. Despite these revelations, Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing or misuse of his position as a trade envoy, stressing that his association with Epstein did not involve improper conduct.
The role of a UK trade envoy typically involves access to confidential information gathered during official visits, and those holding the position must adhere to strict guidelines regarding the confidentiality of sensitive commercial and political material. The allegations against Andrew have prompted additional scrutiny, including an assessment by Thames Valley Police concerning a complaint from the anti-monarchy group Republic. The complaint accuses Mountbatten-Windsor of potential misconduct in public office and the breach of official secrets.
Though parliamentary committees have powers to summon witnesses, such authority does not extend to members of the Royal Family, making any formal questioning of Andrew unprecedented. Byrne acknowledged that while he cannot predict the committee’s final decision on launching a formal inquiry, no possibilities have been ruled out. His remarks coincide with the announcement by the National Police Chiefs’ Council of a new national coordination group to support police forces investigating claims arising from the Epstein files, ensuring a consistent approach across jurisdictions. However, each police force remains independently responsible for investigating any alleged offences within their area
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