Former enterprise secretary Sir Vince Cable has referred to as for a police and authorities investigation into the conduct of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor throughout his tenure because the UK’s commerce envoy, following the discharge of US justice division information that seem to indicate he shared official and industrial info with the convicted intercourse offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The newly launched paperwork recommend that Andrew, who served as Britain’s particular consultant for worldwide commerce and funding from 2001 to 2011, forwarded UK authorities paperwork and commercially delicate materials to Epstein.
Sir Vince, who was secretary of state for enterprise and commerce throughout a part of Andrew’s tenure, described the alleged behaviour as “completely unacceptable” and mentioned the matter needs to be scrutinised by regulation enforcement authorities.
“We want a police or DPP examine on whether or not legal corruption happened and a authorities investigation into how this was allowed to occur,” he mentioned.
Andrew has persistently and strenuously denied any wrongdoing.
In line with the paperwork, in 2010 Andrew forwarded an e mail change regarding Royal Financial institution of Scotland and Aston Martin to a contact, David Stern, who subsequently handed it to Epstein. The correspondence reportedly included particulars about RBS restructuring plans and feedback concerning its then chief govt, Stephen Hester, in addition to references to inside tensions at Aston Martin.
It stays unclear whether or not the knowledge originated immediately from Andrew’s official function. On the time, RBS was majority-owned by the taxpayer following its monetary disaster bailout. Andrew was additionally a buyer of the financial institution and will have had separate dealings with administration.
Additional emails cited within the US information point out that Andrew could have shared authorities go to experiences referring to Vietnam, Singapore and China with Epstein. Separate correspondence suggests details about Iceland was handed from Treasury sources to banker Jonathan Rowland.
Below official steerage, commerce envoys are sure by confidentiality obligations protecting delicate industrial and political info obtained throughout official visits.
Thames Valley Police confirmed it had consulted specialists on the Crown Prosecution Service concerning the allegations.
Labour MP Sarah Owens, chair of the ladies and equalities committee, mentioned Andrew should reply questions from police and Parliament. Fellow Labour MP Rachael Maskell referred to as for larger transparency and accountability, arguing that Andrew needs to be stripped of his remaining constitutional roles.
King Charles has beforehand expressed “profound concern” over allegations surrounding his brother. Buckingham Palace has mentioned it stands “able to assist” police if requested.
The newest disclosures add to longstanding scrutiny of Andrew’s affiliation with Epstein. Extra pictures launched within the US doc tranche have additional intensified requires him to testify in the US.
The previous duke lately relocated from his Windsor residence to the Sandringham property in Norfolk as stress surrounding the case continues to mount.
