Keir Starmer supports release of documents on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
Sir Keir Starmer will not obstruct the release of documents concerning Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s appointment as a trade envoy, reports BritPanorama.
The government is not anticipated to resist a push by the Liberal Democrats for these records to be made public. This follows a dramatic series of events, including Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest last week on allegations of misconduct in a public office.
Searches at his Sandringham residence coincided with his 66th birthday, leading to his apprehension at a nearby police station. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey is utilizing a so-called humble address in the House of Commons to advocate for the disclosure of documents related to the appointment, which took place in 2001.
In addition to Mountbatten-Windsor’s files, the Liberal Democrats seek to unveil any paperwork associated with Lord Mandelson’s role in the decision-making process, noting his support for the appointment.
A government official stated: “We are in favour of the principle of transparency. We can’t publish material that would jeopardise a police investigation, as you know, so that is the balancing exercise.”
Typically, the Royal Family faces limited scrutiny in the House of Commons unless specific circumstances arise. Mountbatten-Windsor served as trade envoy until 2011, a role affording him significant access to global business leaders and governmental figures.
Revelations from a cache of three million documents linked to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein indicated that Mountbatten-Windsor had forwarded materials to the financier, including reports on trips to Vietnam, Singapore, and China. In 2010, he allegedly shared investment opportunities in Afghanistan related to gold and uranium.
Sir Ed Davey emphasized the importance of the scheduled material release, stating: “We need to go right to the moment when he was appointed, and then we can answer the questions about how he conducted that role.” He further expressed regret over previously praising the royal while serving as a Coalition government minister, citing feelings of anger about the misplaced trust in Mountbatten-Windsor.
The first set of documents concerning his appointment as US ambassador is expected to be published in early March.
As the scrutiny intensifies around royal roles in public office, the debate surrounding transparency in governance remains a vital aspect of UK political discourse.
