Concerns regarding Prince Andrew’s connections to the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have been reignited, with former victims’ commissioner Dame Vera Baird urging for a comprehensive police investigation. This plea comes in light of new evidence that may alter the landscape of previous inquiries, highlighting potential trafficking of victims into the UK.
New Evidence Sparks Renewed Urgency
Dame Vera, who served as the victims’ commissioner from 2019 to 2022, has expressed her frustration over the lack of action taken by the Metropolitan Police regarding allegations surrounding the Duke of York. Speaking to the BBC, she revealed that when she initially raised the matter, authorities indicated that the alleged offences predominantly occurred outside the UK, stating there was insufficient evidence to proceed. However, she now believes the situation has evolved significantly due to recent developments.
Emphasising the importance of a thorough investigation, Dame Vera remarked that revelations from former Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s recent article in the New Statesman have added considerable weight to the argument for renewed scrutiny. Brown is calling for the Metropolitan Police to reassess whether Epstein’s victims were trafficked into the UK, in light of a recent BBC investigation that uncovered 87 flights linked to Epstein arriving and departing from UK airports between the early 1990s and 2018. Among these flights were instances involving British women who have alleged abuse by Epstein.
Allegations of Trafficking and Involvement of UK Airports
In his article, Brown referenced newly released documents that suggest British girls were on 90 flights operated by Epstein from UK airports, with some trips occurring after Epstein’s 2008 conviction on child sex offences. He insisted that references to Stansted Airport being used for transporting women into the UK should trigger a police inquiry, underlining the seriousness of the allegations.
Dame Vera expressed her surprise upon learning about the documents detailing Stansted’s involvement, stating that this information had not been previously known to her. She reiterated her commitment to ensuring that victims receive protection and justice, highlighting the potential implications of a royal family member being implicated in such serious allegations.
Confirmation of Controversial Photograph
Further complicating the matter is a recently surfaced email from Ghislaine Maxwell, which appears to authenticate a notorious photograph of Prince Andrew with his late accuser Virginia Giuffre. Despite previously dismissing the photograph as possibly doctored, Andrew has not publicly responded to this latest evidence. Dame Vera pointed out that this new information reinforces her earlier stance on the necessity of thorough investigations, stating, “We would look quite odd if we don’t.”
Adding to the gravity of the situation, Thames Valley Police have confirmed they are evaluating an allegation made by a woman claiming she was sent to the UK by Epstein for a sexual encounter with Prince Andrew at his former residence, Royal Lodge in Windsor. The woman, who was in her 20s at the time, alleges that this encounter took place several years ago.
Airport’s Position on Private Flights
Stansted Airport has previously clarified that all private aircraft operate through independent terminals not managed by the airport itself, indicating that they lack visibility on passenger arrangements associated with these flights. This statement raises further questions about the oversight and control surrounding the use of such facilities for potentially illicit activities.
Why it Matters
The renewed calls for an investigation into Prince Andrew’s links to Jeffrey Epstein underscore a broader societal demand for accountability, particularly regarding high-profile figures. As more evidence comes to light, the implications of these allegations extend beyond individual culpability; they challenge the systems of power that have historically shielded influential individuals from scrutiny. This situation not only reflects the ongoing struggle for justice for Epstein’s victims but also highlights the urgent need for legal and institutional reforms to protect the vulnerable from exploitation.
