A team has initiated a thorough review of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s past responsibilities as a trade envoy but indicated that it will require some time before disclosing any findings. Trade minister Sir Chris Bryant mentioned that the team is navigating through various complexities while examining records from multiple historical bodies and formats.
Ministers agreed in February to make public the files relating to the former Duke of York’s appointment to the position. This decision followed a motion by the Liberal Democrats in Parliament urging the release of documents concerning Andrew’s role, including any vetting processes and communication with Lord Peter Mandelson.
The Department of Business and Trade is spearheading the efforts to identify and organize the material for disclosure, as stated by Minister Sir Chris in a government progress update.
“We are fully committed to honoring Parliament’s request while ensuring that no information is released that could impact the ongoing Thames Valley Police investigation into Mr. Mountbatten-Windsor’s public office conduct. A specialized team has been established to oversee this process across the department and Whitehall,” he conveyed in a written statement.
The former duke is facing allegations of sharing sensitive information with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein while serving as a special representative for trade and investment from 2001 to 2011. Andrew was arrested in February on suspicions of misconduct in public office and subsequently released pending investigation.
Sir Chris mentioned, “We have initiated searches within historical department records and have also commissioned parallel searches in other departments, notably the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office and the Cabinet Office.”
“We have devised a protocol with the Cabinet Office and Thames Valley Police to ensure that any released material does not jeopardize the police inquiry.”
Lisa Smart, the Liberal Democrats’ Cabinet Office spokesperson, expressed concerns, stating, “The Government’s lack of transparency regarding the compilation of the Andrew files is not fooling anyone. I am apprehensive that ministers are setting the stage for inadequate delivery under flimsy excuses.”
“The victims of Epstein and his associates deserve complete openness from the British government, which shielded Epstein’s ally, the then-Prince Andrew, for an extended period. It is unacceptable that the government is not treating this matter with the urgency it demands.”
“The Andrew files must be fully disclosed without further delays from the Government to allow for thorough scrutiny and the delivery of justice.”
