The Metropolitan Police faces mounting pressure over its handling of the Prince Andrew-Jeffrey Epstein scandal, with former Home Office Minister Norman Baker delivering a blistering assessment of what he describes as institutional failure.
A Case of Special Treatment?
In an explosive new commentary, Baker questions why Britain's largest police force appeared to grant Prince Andrew what amounts to a "free pass" during their investigation into the Epstein affair. The former minister suggests the Met's approach raises serious questions about equality before the law.
"The evidence demanded a thorough investigation," Baker states, pointing to the numerous serious allegations and connections between the Duke of York and the convicted sex offender. "Yet the Met seemed reluctant to pursue the matter with the vigour one would expect."
Institutional Reluctance or Political Pressure?
Baker's analysis suggests the Metropolitan Police may have been influenced by the royal status of the individual involved. The former minister, who served as Crime Prevention Minister under the Coalition government, brings considerable credibility to these concerns.
The controversy centres on whether the police adequately investigated allegations that British victims were involved in the Epstein case and whether Prince Andrew should have been questioned more thoroughly about his connections to the disgraced financier.
Public Confidence at Stake
This isn't the first time the Metropolitan Police has faced criticism over its handling of high-profile cases involving powerful individuals. Baker suggests a pattern may be emerging where the wealthy and connected receive different treatment from ordinary citizens.
The former minister's intervention comes at a sensitive time for the royal family and for police credibility. With public trust in institutions already fragile, cases like this risk further eroding confidence in the principle that justice should be blind to status and wealth.
As Baker concludes, "When it appears that some individuals operate under different rules, it undermines the very foundation of our legal system and the public's faith in those sworn to protect it."
