U.K. lawmakers will debate releasing confidential documents related to Prince Andrew

Lawmakers will debate a motion to release confidential documents related to Prince Andrew's 2001 trade envoy role; he was arrested and released without charge and police say investigations are continuing.

The U.K. Parliament will debate a motion to release confidential documents tied to Prince Andrew's appointment as a special envoy for international trade in 2001. The motion was introduced by Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey and will be discussed in the House of Commons. The debate departs from a long-standing convention that has limited criticism of the Royal Family in the Commons. The discussion follows recent police activity connected to allegations about sharing confidential information with Jeffrey Epstein. Key facts: - Lawmakers will debate a motion to release documents related to Andrew's 2001 trade envoy role. - Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, released without charge, and police say the investigation is continuing. - Former minister Peter Mandelson was also arrested and released after questioning; he has not been charged and inquiries are ongoing. - The motion challenges Commons practice on criticizing the Royal Family and was introduced by Ed Davey. Summary: The Commons debate, scheduled for Tuesday, focuses on whether those confidential records should be made public and whether parliamentary rules should allow more scrutiny of the royal family. Police investigations linked to the allegations are ongoing and no charges have been filed; further legal or procedural steps are undetermined at this time.