Sir Keir Starmer has called for individuals with relevant information regarding the Jeffrey Epstein investigation to provide evidence, following the Duke of York's failure to respond to a request from US Congress.
Congressional Deadline Missed Amid Criticism
US legislators have publicly criticised Prince Andrew for what they label as his 'silence' concerning the ongoing probe into the activities of the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. This criticism comes after the former prince failed to meet a deadline to respond to their request for a transcribed interview.
Members of the House Oversight Committee had sought to question Andrew about his 'long-standing friendship' with Epstein. The financier died by suicide in a New York prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking and conspiracy charges.
Starmer's General Principle on Cooperation
When questioned about the situation while en route to the G20 summit in South Africa, the Labour leader declined to comment on the specific case involving the royal. However, Sir Keir articulated a broader stance, stating, 'a general principle I've held for a very long time is that anybody who has got relevant information in relation to these kind of cases should give that evidence to those that need it'.
It is important to note that Prince Andrew is not legally obliged to speak with the US Congress and has consistently and vigorously denied any wrongdoing.
Political Fallout and Accountability Pledge
In a joint statement, Democratic Congressmen Robert Garcia and Suhas Subramanyam accused Andrew of hiding. Their statement read, 'Andrew Mountbatten Windsor's silence... speaks volumes'. They emphasised that the documents reviewed, along with public records and the testimony of accuser Virginia Roberts Giuffre, 'raise serious questions he must answer'.
The legislators vowed that their 'work will move forward with or without him', promising to hold anyone involved accountable and to secure 'justice for the survivors'.
This development follows the recent stripping of Andrew's prince and Duke of York titles. He had previously agreed to stop using his HRH style but had expected to retain his princely status and dukedom ahead of the publication of the late Ms Giuffre's memoirs. She had accused him of sexual assault, allegations he continues to deny.
The political context in the US also saw a related development, as Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, a former loyal supporter of Donald Trump, announced her resignation from Congress. Her departure followed a public rift with the former president, partly over his stance on files connected to the Epstein case.
