Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick has been compelled to issue a formal apology in the House of Commons after making controversial remarks about the Virginia Giuffre settlement involving Prince Andrew.
The senior Conservative minister found himself at the centre of a political storm after suggesting during a heated debate that "rich men and politicians" were involved in the sexual assault lawsuit settlement between Prince Andrew and Virginia Giuffre.
Parliamentary Retraction
During Treasury questions, Jenrick told MPs: "We've seen in this country, with the case of the Duke of York, that it is possible for rich men in this country to behave with impunity, and in that case, not a single politician who stood up and called out what had happened."
Shadow Treasury minister Tulip Siddiq immediately challenged the remarks, stating: "I think he might want to correct the record, because I think there was a settlement between the two parties."
Formal Apology
Jenrick later returned to the chamber to issue a correction, telling MPs: "In the heat of debate I misspoke in relation to the settlement between the Duke of York and Virginia Giuffre. I'm happy to correct the record."
The minister's original comments came during a debate about the government's new Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill, where he was arguing for stronger measures against illicit finance.
Background of the Case
Prince Andrew settled the civil sexual assault case with Virginia Giuffre out of court in February 2022, without admission of liability. The Duke of York has consistently denied the allegations against him.
The settlement, reported to be around £12 million, avoided a potentially damaging court trial that would have examined claims the prince sexually assaulted Ms Giuffre when she was 17.
Political Fallout
The incident represents another embarrassment for the Conservative government, coming amid ongoing political turbulence and following recent ministerial resignations.
Jenrick's forced retraction highlights the sensitivity surrounding the Royal Family in political discourse and the careful language required when discussing ongoing legal matters involving senior royals.
