6 hours ago
6
Trade envoy role explained by BBC business editor
The Business and Trade Committee will meet on Tuesday to discuss launching an inquiry into the role of UK trade envoys following Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest.
The former prince was arrested by Thames Valley Police on Thursday, on suspicion of misconduct in public office, and released under investigation 11 hours later.
The cross-party committee will discuss options after allegations that Andrew shared confidential government files while he was in the role, but will avoid focusing on him while he is involved in a police investigation.
Andrew has previously denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein; he has not responded to the BBC's requests for comment on the specific allegations in relation to the release of millions of Epstein files in January.
MPs on the committee will also look into the appointment and accountability of UK trade envoys.
It is understood that any inquiry would start with a focus on possible governance issues within the wider system.
There are currently 32 envoys across six continents, who play "a crucial role in supporting the Department for Business and Trade's growth priorities", according to the government website.
Duties include engaging with host governments, leading trade delegations, and meeting businesses in the UK.
Liam Byrne, chair of the committee, said earlier in the week that the MPs will also discuss a potential investigation into Andrew for his conduct in the role.
MPs are taking the allegations "acutely seriously", Byrne said.
Emails released in the latest tranche of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have caused significant controversy for the former Duke of York.
In 2010, Andrew is alleged to have forwarded government reports from visits to Vietnam, Singapore and China to Epstein.
Meanwhile, the government has confirmed it is considering legislation to remove Andrew from the royal line of succession - he is currently eighth in line for the throne.
Defence Minister Luke Pollard said the move - which would prevent Andrew from ever becoming King - was the "right thing to do," regardless of the outcome of the police investigation.
Pollard told the BBC that the government had been working with Buckingham Palace on the plans, and hopes it will gain cross party support.
The action would require an act of Parliament, which would have to be approved by MPs and peers and would come into effect when given royal assent by the King.
It would also need to be supported by the 14 Commonwealth countries where the King is head of state.
The last time someone was removed from the line of succession by an act of Parliament was in 1936, when the former Edward VIII and his descendants were removed due to his abdication.
Following the latest revelations, historian David Olusoga told BBC Newsnight there is now "a desperate desire within government and within the palace to draw a firewall… between this crisis and the wider monarchy".
On Saturday, several unmarked police cars were again seen Andrew's former Windsor mansion Royal Lodge, where he lived for many years.
Thames Valley Police is expected to continue searching the 30-room property, until Monday, the BBC understands.
