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Parliamentarians have supported a motion demanding the publication of documents concerning Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s appointment as a UK trade envoy in 2001. The motion, backed by the government and proposed by the Liberal Democrats, compels ministers to disclose files about Andrew’s decade-long tenure in the role. Trade Minister Sir Chris Bryant characterized Andrew as “rude, arrogant and entitled,” criticizing his behavior and the blurred line between public and private interests during his time as “special representative for international trade and investment.”
Sir Chris indicated the government’s intention to comply with the order “as fast as we possibly can,” though he acknowledged that ongoing police investigations into Andrew might delay the process. Andrew was recently released under investigation following his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing. Authorities had previously considered probing allegations connected to his ties with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, including whether Andrew shared confidential government material.
Documents recently released in the United States, linked to the Epstein investigation, suggest Andrew forwarded reports on government visits to countries such as Vietnam, Singapore, and China to Epstein in 2010. Additional files allege he passed along information regarding investment prospects in gold and uranium in Afghanistan. Despite repeated requests, Andrew has not responded to inquiries about these specific accusations. He maintains that he acted with integrity and did not derive personal financial benefit from his role as a trade envoy.
In the House of Commons, Sir Chris conveyed accounts from colleagues and civil servants portraying Andrew as self-serving and dismissive of the public interest. He said, “They all betray the same pattern – a man on a constant self-aggrandising and self-enriching hustle, a rude, arrogant and entitled man who could not distinguish between the public interest, which he said he served, and his own private interest.” The Liberal Democrats used their allocated parliamentary debating time to push through a humble address, a binding motion that requires ministers to release the relevant records. This procedure had recently been employed by the Conservatives to obtain documents about another government appointment.
Sir Chris emphasized the government’s commitment to full compliance with the motion but highlighted practical challenges, noting “most” of the documents date back about 25 years and may be extensive in number, with many in hard copy form. He stated, “I want to make sure that we move as fast as we possibly can, but I also want to make sure that justice does happen, and I don’t want to do anything that would undermine the police investigations.” Conservative MP Sir Edward Leigh expressed concern that it might take years before the files are available, prompting assurances from Sir Chris about cooperation with law enforcement to expedite the process.
The issue has stirred significant political debate. Shadow chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Alex Burghart warned ministers about the negative perception if they delayed providing information. Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey described the Epstein scandal as “truly global” but also “a deeply British scandal reaching right to the top of the British establishment.” Reflecting on his previous defense of Andrew’s trade envoy role in 2011, Sir Ed expressed regret, apologizing to Epstein’s victims and acknowledging that at the time, both Parliament and MPs failed to hold the former prince sufficiently accountable.
Andrew’s appointment to the unpaid trade envoy position occurred under Tony Blair’s Labour government, with the formal endorsement coming from the then Queen after consultation with key governmental departments. Discussions among members of the Business and Trade Select Committee suggest any investigation into the role of trade envoys will await the conclusion of ongoing legal proceedings against Andrew. Nevertheless, Labour MP Liam Byrne, chair of the committee, indicated an intention to “begin gathering information immediately” to be prepared to launch a formal inquiry once police matters are resolved
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