Sat, 21 Feb 2026

Sat, 21 Feb 2026 MPs to discuss inquiry into trade envoy role after Andrew arrest

A cross-party committee will also look into the appointment and accountability of UK trade envoys.

* MPs on the Business and Trade Committee will hold an inquiry into UK trade envoys, sparked by allegations against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
* The former prince was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, but released under investigation after 11 hours.
* He held the role of UK trade envoy from 2001 to 2011 and had privileged access to senior government and business contacts worldwide.
* Allegations suggest he shared confidential government files while in the role, but an inquiry will focus on governance issues within the system rather than individual cases.
* The committee will discuss options for reforming the appointment and accountability of UK trade envoys.
* There are currently 32 envoys across six continents, with duties including engaging with host governments and meeting businesses in the UK.
* The government is considering legislation to remove Andrew from the royal line of succession amid pressure over his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
* Defence Minister Luke Pollard says removing Andrew would be the "right thing to do", regardless of the outcome of the police investigation.
* Any action would require an act of Parliament and cross-party support, as well as approval from the 14 Commonwealth countries where the King is head of state.
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