SNP MP Graham Leadbitter has joined cross-party efforts to remove Prince Andrew’s remaining titles, including that of Earl of Inverness.
The MP for Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey has signed an open letter to the Prime Minister from York Central MP Rachael Maskell, supporting her Removal of Titles Bill which seeks to give Parliament greater power to act swiftly in similar cases.
Mr Leadbitter, who has previously backed a parliamentary motion calling for the UK Government to intervene, accused Labour of being “stubbornly slow” in taking action.
His intervention comes as public pressure continues to grow following new revelations surrounding the Prince’s association with Jeffrey Epstein.
A recent YouGov poll found that 81% of Scots now support the removal of Prince Andrew’s titles.
Mr Leadbitter said it was time for the government to do what the public has long demanded.
“I’m happy to join cross-party efforts to see the right thing done,” he said.
“But Labour’s refusal to act has been a disgrace and raises all sorts of questions as to why they haven’t done anything.”
He added that the strength of feeling in the Highlands has been clear for years.
“An overwhelming majority of people support Prince Andrew’s titles being removed, including in Inverness where thousands called for this years ago,” he said.
“The details revealed by Virginia Giuffre in her posthumous autobiography have been truly sickening to read.”
Mr Leadbitter said the government’s inaction risked deepening the pain of those affected by the scandal.
“Labour’s stubbornness and refusal to take action to remove these titles has now likely only deepened the trauma faced by Epstein’s victims,” he said.
“The government has a responsibility to take action, listen to the public outcry, and remove Prince Andrew’s titles.”
Prince Andrew, who was granted the title Earl of Inverness upon his marriage in 1986, has already been stripped of his royal patronages and military affiliations, but continues to hold several honorary titles including the one associated with the Highland capital.
Campaigners say the continuing use of the Inverness title damages the city’s reputation and undermines its proud sense of community.
Rachael Maskell’s proposed legislation would empower Parliament to remove titles in cases where an individual’s conduct brings them into serious disrepute.
The bill has gained cross-party backing but has yet to receive government time for debate.
Mr Leadbitter said he would continue to press for action in Westminster and represent the views of those in his constituency who want to see the matter resolved.
