The Labour government is facing mounting internal discontent over its deliberate strategy of avoiding questions about Prince Andrew's ongoing association with the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, despite growing pressure to address the controversial royal matter.
A Deliberate Strategy of Avoidance
Senior ministers in Keir Starmer's administration have been instructed to sidestep any questions regarding Prince Andrew, creating what insiders describe as an "unspoken pact" of silence around the disgraced royal. This approach has become increasingly noticeable as the government faces parliamentary questions about the Duke of York's continued use of royal privileges at Buckingham Palace.
Growing Disquiet Within Labour Ranks
Despite the official line of silence, significant unease is brewing within Labour circles. Multiple backbench MPs have expressed frustration with the government's reluctance to address what many see as a serious matter of public concern. "There's a feeling we're making the same mistakes as the previous government by tiptoeing around royal controversies," one Labour MP confessed anonymously.
Parliamentary Pressure Mounts
The issue came to a head when Labour MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy directly challenged ministers about Prince Andrew's ongoing access to Buckingham Palace facilities. The government's evasive response has done little to quell concerns, with critics arguing that the administration appears to be prioritising political convenience over accountability.
The Shadow of Past Mistakes
Many within Westminster recall the Conservative government's handling of the Prince Andrew scandal and fear Labour is repeating similar errors. The decision to maintain distance from the controversy reflects Starmer's cautious approach to constitutional matters, but risks alienating those who expected a more transparent administration.
As the government continues its policy of strategic avoidance, the internal discontent shows no signs of abating. With pressure building from both within and outside the party, Labour's delicate balancing act between royal protocol and public accountability may soon become unsustainable.
