THE OBSERVER: Call for action follows concerns over Prince Andrew's dealings with despotic leadersA coalition of leading human rights groups is calling for a review into the way the British government does business with non-democratic regimes around the world.
After recent revelations involving the Duke of York and his work as the UK's special trade ambassador, organisations including Human Rights Watch, Index on Censorship, The Corner House, Global Witness and Campaign Against Arms Trade say the affair has underlined fundamental failings in the country's supposedly ethical foreign policy. Tom Porteous, UK director of Human Rights Watch and Foreign Office adviser, said Prince Andrew was making the UK "look stupid, frankly".
The groups say that the government's stated position on human rights, corporate responsibility and the rule of law is at odds with its apparent position of trading with autocratic or corrupt politicians. In recent days condemnation has grown of Prince Andrew's dealings with figures in north Africa, the Middle East and central Asia. >>> Mark Townsend and Sophia Ignatidou | Sunday, March 13, 2011
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Our less-than-grand old Duke of York: Prince Andrew should be stripped of his role as UK special envoy for trade before he stains the Royal family's reputation further, says Jenny McCartney. >>> Jenny McCartney | Saturday, March 12, 2011
THE TIMES: The strange and lonely life of Britain’s would-be playboy prince >>> Valentine Low , Alexi Mostrous and Damian Whitworth | Saturday, March 12, 2011 [£]
