By Jacob Phillips
November 19 2019, 22.25
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Jeremy Corbyn weighed into the controversy enveloping Prince Andrew in tonight’s ITV Leaders’ debate.
The Labour leader previously expressed an opinion that when the Queen dies she should be replaced by an elected head of state.
And he once advised those bored with the coverage of Prince William’s marriage to Kate Middleton to watch Russia Today.
Asked about his views on the royal family he said it needed ‘a bit of improvement’ – before adding his thoughts on Prince Andrew’s controversial BBC interview about his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
“Before we discuss Prince Andrew I think we should discuss the victims that are there because of what Epstein was doing,” he said.
“I think there are very serious questions that must be answered and nobody should be above the law.
“But the primary position ought to be the proper treatment of the victims by the awful behaviour of apparently Epstein and many others.”
In contrast, Prime Minister Boris Johnson – who repeatedly refused to answer media questions about Prince Andrew during his speech to business leaders on Monday – seemed determined to avoid the issue.
He said: “The institution of the monarchy is above reproach.
“All our sympathies should be with the victims of Jeffery Epstein and the law must certainly take its course.”
