Epstein case: Starmer’s call to ‘cooperate’ increases pressure on former prince Andrew to testify in U.S. inquiry

Andrew urged to give evidence (File)

Pressure is mounting on former Prince Andrew to provide evidence to a U.S. congressional committee investigating convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following comments from Britain’s Prime Minister suggesting he should testify.

Keir Starmer declined to speak directly about King Charles III’s disgraced younger brother, but told reporters accompanying him at the Group of 20 summit in Johannesburg that, as a “general principle,” people should cooperate with investigators.

“I don’t comment on his particular case,’’ Starmer said. “But as a general principle I’ve held for a very long time is that anybody who has got relevant information in relation to these kind of cases should give that evidence to those that need it.’’

The former prince, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, has so far ignored a request from the House Oversight Committee for a “transcribed interview” regarding his “long-standing friendship” with Epstein. Andrew was stripped of his royal titles and honours last month as the royal family sought to shield itself from criticism over his association with Epstein.

Starmer’s comments came after Rep. Robert Garcia of California, the committee’s ranking Democrat, and Rep. Suhas Subramanyam, a Democrat from Virginia, said Andrew “continues to hide” from serious questions.

“Our work will move forward with or without him, and we will hold anyone who was involved in these crimes accountable, no matter their wealth, status or political party,” they said in a statement released on Friday. “We will get justice for the survivors.”

(With AP inputs)