MPs are pressing for the conduct of members of the royal family to be debated in the Commons, the Speaker said, as Prince Andrew faces fresh scrutiny over his connection to the late convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein.
© GettyMPs have called for the conduct of Prince Andrew to be discussed in Parliament
Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, said there had been “inaccurate” commentary on whether MPs are able to discuss Prince Andrew in Parliament. He added: “There are ways for the House to properly consider this matter.”
In a statement, Sir Lindsay said: “Any discussions about the conduct or reflections on members of the royal family can be properly discussed on the substantive motions. And I know some members have already tabled such a motion. I am not able to allocate time for a debate on such a motion, but others are able to do so, if wishing to do that.
“But on questions, the long-standing practice of the House, as set out in Erskine May, is that criticism of members of the royal family cannot be made as part of questions. I hope this is helpful clarification, as there is lots of online speculation.”