David Cameron backs Prince Andrew as UK trade envoy

Published on Monday 7 March 2011 14:22

DOWNING Street today offered support to the Duke of York amid calls for him to resign as UK trade envoy over his relationships with a series of controversial figures, including a convicted paedophile.

Business Secretary Vince Cable sparked speculation over Prince Andrew's future when he said this morning that "conversations" would be taking place with the Duke and it would be for him to judge whether he should stay on in the role.

But Mr Cameron's official spokesman said that the Prime Minister had full confidence in Andrew as trade envoy and was "fully supportive" of him staying on.

The spokesman stressed that the Government is not reviewing the Duke's voluntary position, which he has held since 2001.

Fresh doubts have been raised about Andrew's position in the wake of further media coverage over the weekend about his links with American billionaire Jeffrey Epstein, who was sentenced to 18 months in prison in 2008 for soliciting a minor for prostitution.

He has also faced criticism for entertaining the son-in-law of ousted Tunisian president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali at Buckingham Palace.

Media reports quoted an unnamed Government source as saying there would not be "many tears shed" if Andrew quit, and the BBC this morning said a Downing Street source had conceded one more serious story could make his role untenable.

But Mr Cameron's spokesman this morning declined to discuss the unattributed remarks, and insisted Andrew enjoyed the Prime Minister's full confidence.

"The Prime Minister thinks he is doing an important job and is making a major contribution and he is supportive of him in that role," said the spokesman.

"We are not reviewing that role in any way. The Government's position is very clear: that we support him in his role as trade envoy.

"He has made a very important contribution to UK trade through the role and continues to do so."

Despite the mounting criticism, it was business as usual for Andrew who spent the morning visiting a school in East London in his role as patron of the organisation Young Engineers.

He made no response to shouted questions from reporters about his future.