Parliamentary rules effectively bar MPs from debating the conduct of Prince Andrew, despite growing disquiet over his links to Jeffrey Epstein. The strict guidance prevents any formal discussion on whether the Duke of York can be stripped of his titles, leaving many lawmakers frustrated.
SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn pushed the government on Monday to bring forward a motion to revoke Prince Andrew's title, calling inaction unjustified. Labour MP Rachael Maskell also backed calls for legislation, but individual MPs cannot raise the matter without facing sanction under current conventions.
Erskine May, the parliamentary rulebook, states that no question can be put which casts reflections upon the royal family. This specifically bars comments on Prince Andrew's conduct, even regarding allegations made by Virginia Giuffre, which the prince denies.
Keir Starmer's spokesperson stopped short of defending the status quo, saying it was ultimately a matter for parliament. However, No 10 has no appetite for proactive action, with one government source saying: 'I cannot think of anything less which I'd like us to be embroiled in.'
While a two-line bill revoking titles could be passed in an afternoon, appetite for conflict is low among new Labour MPs, who are focused on the budget, Send reform, and dire poll ratings. Nonetheless, sanctioning Andrew might be a popular move given his rock-bottom popularity.
