UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has urged Andrew Mounbatten-Windsor, the Duke of York, to testify before a US congressional committee about his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Starmer's call comes after recent documents were released by the US Justice Department, which revealed that the Duke of York had close ties with Epstein.
The documents show that the Duke of York was photographed with an unknown woman who appeared to be in distress on the floor, sparking widespread outrage and calls for him to apologize to Epstein's victims. The files also suggest that the Duke of York invited Epstein to Buckingham Palace in 2010, two years after he was convicted of soliciting girls as young as 14 for sex.
Starmer believes that the Duke of York should be prepared to share information about his knowledge of Epstein's crimes and has emphasized the importance of accountability. The UK government has faced criticism for its handling of the Epstein scandal, with some accusing it of failing to act quickly enough to protect victims.
The release of these documents has sparked a new wave of scrutiny on prominent figures who have ties to Epstein, including former Labour peer Lord Mandelson, who has admitted that he was "wrong" to continue his association with Epstein after his conviction. The Duke of York's decision to pay a reported £12 million settlement to Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein's victims, has also raised questions about the royal family's handling of the scandal.
As the investigation into Epstein's crimes continues, it remains to be seen whether the Duke of York will comply with Starmer's call to testify.
The documents show that the Duke of York was photographed with an unknown woman who appeared to be in distress on the floor, sparking widespread outrage and calls for him to apologize to Epstein's victims. The files also suggest that the Duke of York invited Epstein to Buckingham Palace in 2010, two years after he was convicted of soliciting girls as young as 14 for sex.
Starmer believes that the Duke of York should be prepared to share information about his knowledge of Epstein's crimes and has emphasized the importance of accountability. The UK government has faced criticism for its handling of the Epstein scandal, with some accusing it of failing to act quickly enough to protect victims.
The release of these documents has sparked a new wave of scrutiny on prominent figures who have ties to Epstein, including former Labour peer Lord Mandelson, who has admitted that he was "wrong" to continue his association with Epstein after his conviction. The Duke of York's decision to pay a reported £12 million settlement to Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein's victims, has also raised questions about the royal family's handling of the scandal.
As the investigation into Epstein's crimes continues, it remains to be seen whether the Duke of York will comply with Starmer's call to testify.
. The fact that they're just dodging accountability is really disappointing. I mean, if they were in our shoes, we'd be like 'come on, mate, spill the beans' right? 
The UK government needs to do better than just covering up for these powerful people. We need transparency and justice for Epstein's victims 
. It's not too much to ask, is it? 
I think its weird that he invited epstien to buckingham palace in 2010... 2 yrs after he was convicted lol what was going thru his head 
. Starmer's calling him out for accountability and it's about time someone did! I'm curious to see how the royal family is going to handle this - are they just gonna sweep it under the rug or are they actually taking responsibility? 
It would be awesome if they could use this as an opportunity to raise awareness about Epstein's crimes and support the victims once and for all 
. Fingers crossed the Duke of York does end up testifying... that's gotta be a tough one!
if he doesn't answer to the us congressional committee about his ties to epstein, it'll be like he's trying to sweep it under the rug and that won't look good at all 
meanwhile, keir starmer is doing his job of holding them accountable 
but honestly, this whole thing is just a mess 
how many times do we have to see the royal family get involved in scandals before they realize they need to change their ways? 
The royal family should've taken responsibility for their connections to Epstein ages ago. And what really gets me is that the Duke of York is trying to low-key distance himself from Epstein's victims now that he's got that big settlement. It's not cool. 
The government should've stepped in sooner and asked some tougher questions...
. but for real, starmer's got some serious nerve calling him out like this - it feels kinda like they're trying to make an example out of him, even if it is about accountability... 
... I mean, what's next? The Queen herself? But at the same time, it's about time someone held the royal family accountable for their ties to Epstein. It's crazy that they thought they were above the law just because of who they are 
.
. now that new docs are out showing the duke of york had super close ties with him, it's gotta be embarrassing for him and his fam 
, like he's all about holding people accountable and making sure they answer for their actions. and poor virginia giuffre 
.
if Keir Starmer is calling for him to testify, then I think that's a good thing... maybe now we'll finally get some answers. 
but what's gonna happen next? will he cooperate or try to sweep it under the rug? only time will tell. 
. The US congress thing sounds legit tho, might get to the bottom of things 