The SNP has lodged a parliamentary motion demanding the UK Government strip Prince Andrew of his royal titles following renewed scrutiny of his links to Jeffrey Epstein.
The motion, tabled by SNP Westminster Leader Stephen Flynn MP, calls on the Labour Government to bring forward legislation that would immediately remove the Duke of York’s titles and privileges.
It comes amid fresh allegations that Prince Andrew’s team tried to discredit Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein’s most high-profile accusers, by “hiring internet trolls” to target her online.
Flynn said:
“Those implicated in the Epstein scandal have been able to escape justice because they have hidden behind their power and privilege.
“In the last few months, we have seen that story play out with the allegations against Prince Andrew and Peter Mandelson.”
He added:
“If the Westminster parties remain stubbornly slow in removing Prince Andrew’s titles, the SNP will do all we can to force them to act.”
It is understood that the only legal route to remove a royal title is via an Act of Parliament, something Flynn says the Government must deliver without delay.
“The public knows this is the right thing to do,” he said.
“And even more importantly, the victims at the heart of the Epstein scandal know that it’s the right thing to do.
“It needs to be done without any further excuses and any further delay.”
Last month, the SNP tabled a similar motion calling for the removal of Peter Mandelson’s peerage.
Both figures have faced longstanding questions over their associations with Epstein.
Flynn is now urging the Labour Government to introduce a short bill that would deal with both titles at once.
“If the Labour Party fails to act against Prince Andrew,” he said, “they are consciously choosing to sit on their hands and choosing to defend the indefensible.
“What reasons can the Labour Government possibly have to protect a man who is hiding behind his privilege and position?”
He added:
“The only way to put an end to that injustice is to strip away that power and privilege in every way that we can.”
There has been no official response from Downing Street or Buckingham Palace.
