Starmer says Andrew should give evidence in US investigation into Jeffrey Epstein | Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor
Keir Starmer has stepped up pressure on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to co-operate with the congressional investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, saying those caught up in child sex crimes should disclose any information they have.
Asked whether Mountbatten-Windsor, who was stripped of her royal titles last month, should respond to the US House oversight committee, the prime minister said anyone with “relevant information” should share it. The former prince had a long friendship with Epstein and denies allegations that he sexually assaulted one of his victims, Virginia Giuffre.
Starmer’s comments came after Mountbatten-Windsor did not respond to an interview request from the committee, prompting an angry response from two members of the committee.
Starmer said: “I will not comment on his particular case. But the general principle that I have held for a very long time is that anyone who has information about such cases should give that evidence to those who need it.”
He added that Mountbatten-Windsor’s response would be “a decision for himself” but added: “My general view is that if you have relevant information you should be prepared to share it.”
The committee is conducting an investigation into Epstein, who died in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. As part of the investigation, committee members wrote to Mountbatten-Windsor, requesting an interview and giving her until 20 November to respond.
Two Democrats on the committee said this week that the former prince did not respond by the deadline. Robert Garcia, the committee’s top Democrat, and his colleague Suhas Subramanyam said in a statement that Andrew’s silence “speaks volumes.”
“The documents we reviewed, the public records, and the testimony of Virginia Roberts Giuffre raise serious questions that she must answer, but she continues to conceal,” the duo said.
“Our work will move forward with or without him, and we will hold accountable everyone involved in these crimes, regardless of their wealth, status or political party. We will ensure justice for survivors.”
Despite her comments, Democrats are unlikely to force Mountbatten-Windsor to talk to them without the support of Republicans, who chair the committee and are in the majority.
Republican James Comer, who chairs the committee, did not say whether he would force the former prince to testify, but the Epstein issue remains extremely sensitive for his party given President Donald Trump’s involvement.
Earlier this week, Trump signed into law the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which would force attorney general Pam Bondi to release documents related to the government’s handling of the case within 30 days.
If Congress decides to issue the subpoena, Mountbatten-Windsor, who has denied wrongdoing, could avoid legal penalties for noncompliance by not coming to the United States.
