Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor latest: Labour under pressure to release files on former prince’s trade role

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was appointed as the UK’s special representative for international trade and investment in 2001 after retiring from the Royal Navy.

He was handed the role by Sir Tony Blair’s New Labour government and received the backing of Conservatives and Labour figures, despite controversy around the appointment and his suitability for the job.

The then-prince stepped down from the role in 2011.

Reports from the time said that Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s time as trade envoy was plagued with controversy, with calls for his resignations in March 2011 over his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, who had been jailed for sex offences.

Mr Mountbatten-Windsor did not receive a salary, but did have expenses paid for.

It was alleged this week that he used taxpayers’ money for massages and excessive travel costs during his time as the UK’s trade envoy, according to claims made by retired civil servants.

His expenses-paid delegations also earned him the nickname ‘Air miles Andy’.

When asked in 2011 what Mr Mountbatten-Windsor contributed to the role, former prime minister David Cameron’s spokesman said that many UK businesses supported the work he had done over recent years.

“We saw trade as an important part of our Growth Strategy and the Prime Minister had been clear that the whole of Government needed to support British business in promoting exports to other countries. We thought that Prince Andrew had made a valuable contribution in this area.”

Sir Vince Cable has said he had not heard positive things about Andrew-Mountbatten-Windsor in his role as trade envoy.

When asked if he had achieved anything for the interests of the UK while in his role, the former trade secretary told LBC: “It was never reported to me that he had and it subsequently emerged that some of his important visits seem to be entirely independent of government.”

He added: “There were things happening that were probably very negative, I didn’t hear positive things.

“The one thing I actually asked him to do was to host a dinner at Lancaster House for a visiting Indian trade delegation, I got negative feedback about rudeness, I mean it may or may not have been significant, maybe just jokes that didn’t go down well.”

The Independent’s Political Editor David Maddox reports:

The leader of the Lib Dems Sir Davey had a series of awkward exchanges with Nick Robinson on the Today Programme over the way he personally supported Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor as a trade envoy as a business minister during the coalition government.

The Lib Dems today will be trying to take the high moral ground with their humble address trying force the publication of papers relating to the former prince’s appointment and work as a trade envoy.

But Sir Ed found himself having to apologise during the interview on the Radio 4 flagship programme for his words in a 2012 debate called by the late Labour MP Paul Flynn raising concerns about the Royal family member.

In the debate Sir Ed said: “I for one believe that the Duke of York does an excellent job as the UK’s Special Representative for International Trade and Investment

“He’s had long-standing success in the role, representing the continued interest by the Royal Family in supporting British business and international trade and investment.”

He chided Mr Flynn for bringing the debate just a few days after the Royal wedding of Prince William and Princess Katherine.

He said: “I think his timing is particularly inappropriate, four days after the royal wedding when I believe the whole country showed the support they give to the Royal Family and all its members.

“I’m proud to be here supporting the role of His Royal Highness tonight.”

Kemi Badenoch has praised the royal family for its response to the scandal engulfing Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor as she said they were in a “very difficult” position.

In an interview with The Independent, the Tory leader, who described herself as a monarchist, also said the King had led on the issue “in an exemplary fashion”.

Mr Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested last week and later released under investigation on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

The royal has consistently denied any wrongdoing. It followed allegations uncovered in the so-called Epstein files that Mr Mountbatten Windsor had shared sensitive information with the disgraced paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein while serving as the UK’s trade envoy.

As she praised the King, she criticised Sir Keir Starmer’s response to the allegations that emerged about Labour grandee Peter Mandelson and his connections to Epstein.

“If you can compare the King’s behaviour with something affecting his family, his own brother – complete transparency,” she said.

“On the government side, it’s been hiding papers (and) saying what a great guy Peter Mandelson was, as the prime minister did six months ago when I first confronted him with these allegations.”

The Independent’s Whitehall Editor Kate Devlin has the story:

Amy-Clare Martin, The Independent’s crime correspondent, reports:

Taxpayer-funded Metropolitan Police bodyguards assigned to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor were instructed to provide door security for a lavish celebrity dinner party at Jeffrey Epstein’s New York home, emails suggest.

Analysis by The Independent’s Political Editor David Maddox:

The decision by the Lib Dems to turn their opposition day motion on to publishing papers on the appointment and work of Andrew Mountbatten Windsor as a UK trade envoy makes life complicated for the Labour government.

Essentially it means that if it is passed the vote is binding on the government and they will have to produce the papers which go back years and cover a significant period.

We saw the same tactic used by the Tories in forcing the government to publish the papers on Peter Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to the US last year.

This parliamentary mechanism was rediscovered during the Brexit negotiation years following the referendum to force the hand of Theresa May’s government and then of the one led by Boris Johnson.

No wonder education secretary Bridget Phillipson’s response was nervous over whether the government will accept the Lib Dem motion on Mr Mountbatten Windsor and his previous role.

While she refers to not wanting to prejudice criminal investigations there will also be further details about what minister knew of the Jeffrey Epstein affair.

The appointment was also made and encouraged by a previous Labour government led by Tony Blair.

The business and trade committee will discuss its options today amid the police investigation after allegations were made against the former prince following the release of files related to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.

It is understood that any inquiry would look at potential governance issues within the wider system and lessons to be learned, avoiding specific commentary on Mr Mountbatten-Windsor until there is no risk of prejudicing criminal proceedings.

MPs could also consider looking more broadly at the appointment and accountability of UK trade envoys at the meeting.

The Committee will have a private discussion before its chair, Liam Byrne, gives a public statement on its decision at around 2.30pm.

The Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports: