Trade minister Chris Bryant is handling the LibDems’ opposition day Humble Address, which will release files relating to Andrew’s time as trade envoy:
“The government will of course comply with the terms of the Humble Address in full. As I say, we support the motion, but as the House will know, there is a live police investigation into the former Duke of York after his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The House will also be aware that following that arrest on the 19th of February, Buckingham Palace issued a statement on behalf of the King. His Majesty emphasised that the law must take its course and that the palace would provide its full and wholehearted support and cooperation. The statement concluded with a commitment that his majesty and the royal family would continue in their duty and service to the nation. Mr Speaker, I’m sure that is a sentiment that the whole house will support. As the police have rightly said, it is absolutely crucial that the integrity of their investigation is protected. And now these proceedings are underway. It would be wrong of me to say anything that might prejudice them. Nor will the government be able to put into the public domain anything that is required by the police for them to conduct their inquiries unless and until the police are satisfied.”
Labour preparing for a big delay on any files…
Read the full Humble Address text below:
“That an humble Address be presented to His Majesty, that he will be graciously pleased to give directions to require the Government to lay before this House all papers relating to the creation of the role of Special Representative for Trade and Investment and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s appointment to that role, including but not confined to any documents held by UK Trade and Investment, British Trade International (BTI) and its successors, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the Cabinet Office and the Prime Minister’s Office containing or relating to advice from, or provided to, the Group Chief Executive of BTI, Peter Mandelson, the Cabinet Office and the Prime Minister regarding the suitability of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor for the appointment, due diligence and vetting conducted in relation to the appointment, and minutes of meetings and electronic communications regarding the due diligence and vetting.”
Asked about warnings of a civil war in an interview with The House, Reform MP Danny Kruger said:
“Yeah. The only chance of unity for our country is Reform. If we don’t win, or if we win and then make a mess of it, I do fear for our country.”