Labour Peer Urges Change to Ban on MPs Scrutinising Royals

Edinburgh: George Foulkes has been denied permission to ask about a public register for royal interests. He wants to meet with Simon Burton, the clerk of the parliaments, to discuss his concerns about the royal family.

There’s been more talk about looking into the royal family’s finances, especially after scandals involving Prince Andrew. Recent court documents show a royal family member emailed Jeffrey Epstein as late as February 2011.

In those emails, the royal family member said, “Keep in close touch and we’ll play some more soon!!!!” Andrew had claimed he ended his friendship with Epstein in December 2010.

Foulkes mentioned that parliament’s clerks have blocked every attempt to raise issues about Andrew and other royals. They argue that parliamentary rules prevent discussing the monarchy and related matters.

He believes the rules should change. Currently, MPs can only ask about the costs to taxpayers for royal events and palaces. Foulkes wants broader accountability regarding public money.

He expressed concern about how public funds are spent, especially regarding Andrew. There’s a lot of sensitivity in parliament about the monarchy, which is understandable.

Foulkes thinks it’s important to separate the monarch from the rest of the royal family. He questioned where the royal family’s boundaries lie, mentioning all the grandchildren and cousins.

He asked if the rules apply to Andrew, who is no longer a working royal. The information commissioner’s guidelines include many extended family members, even those without royal titles.

Andrew served as a trade and investment envoy for ten years until 2011. When he was appointed in 2001, 65 MPs called for a register of royal interests, but ministers assured that Andrew’s personal interests wouldn’t interfere with his duties.