"The government has refused to give MPs time to debate Prince Andrew's titles or taxpayer-funded home, despite growing pressure for scrutiny. The decision effectively kills efforts to pass a law to strip Prince Andrew of his dukedom, only a day after ex-Labour MP Rachel Maskell tabled a bill in the Commons. Downing Street rejected suggestions that it was "blocking" debate."
"Journalists repeatedly asked the PM's official spokesperson if the government - which controls the Commons timetable - would give MPs time to debate Andrew's titles and financial affairs. The spokesperson said: "We know that the Royal Family would not want to take time from other important issues." On the question of whether Andrew could be hauled before a select committee, they added: "Any decision for committees to scrutinise developments are a matter for them.""
"Prince Andrew, who reached a financial settlement with Ms Giuffre in 2022, has always denied the allegations. Ahead of the books publication, Prince Andrew announced he will be giving up his royal titles. Only legislation can formally remove his dukedom, which is now held in abeyance. Calls have also intensified for Andrew to give up his Royal Lodge home in Windsor Great Park after it emerged he paid a "peppercorn rent" for more than 20 years."
Government refused to give MPs time to debate Prince Andrew's titles or his home, preventing parliamentary action. The decision stopped efforts to pass a law to remove his dukedom. Downing Street said it was not blocking debate and noted Andrew agreed to stop using his titles after Virginia Giuffre's memoir revived allegations linking him to Jeffrey Epstein. Sir Keir Starmer faces calls for a select committee probe into the arrangement that allowed Andrew to live rent-free at Royal Lodge for two decades. Prince Andrew reached a 2022 financial settlement with Giuffre and denies the allegations. Only legislation can formally remove the dukedom.
Read at www.bbc.com
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