Starmer backs ‘scrutiny’ of Andrew’s peppercorn rent

Sir Keir Starmer has backed calls for Prince Andrew to appear before MPs to give evidence in parliament, following revelations about his living situation.

- MILLIE COOKE

As pressure mounts on the disgraced royal to give up his 30-room Windsor mansion after it emerged he had paid only a peppercorn rent for more than 20 years, the prime minister called for “proper scrutiny”.

Addressing Sir Keir at Prime Minister’s Questions, the Liberal Democrat leader, Sir Ed Davey, asked: “Given the revelations about the Royal Lodge, does the prime minister agree that this House needs to properly scrutinise the crown estate to ensure taxpayers’ interests are protected?

“The chancellor herself has said that the current arrangements are wrong, so will the prime minister support a select committee inquiry so all those involved can be called for evidence – including the current occupant?”

Responding, Sir Keir said: “It’s important in relation to all crown properties that there is proper scrutiny. I certainly support that.”

Last week, Andrew announced he would give up use of his royal titles after renewed focus on his links to the paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, but an act of parliament would be required to formally remove his dukedom.

He denies allegations that Virginia Giuffre, whose posthumous memoir