British MPs seek rule change to allow criticism of the Royal Family

British MPs have voted to press the government to release documents and to change a long-standing parliamentary convention that has limited criticism of the Royal Family, after the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

The arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has prompted MPs from across parties to call for a change to a rare parliamentary convention that has long restricted criticism of the Royal Family. That rule has traditionally barred members from reflecting on the conduct of the Sovereign, the heir or other royals. On Tuesday MPs passed a motion requesting the government release documents related to Mountbatten-Windsor's appointment as a trade envoy. No charges have been laid and he has denied wrongdoing. Key facts: - Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office; no charges have been announced and he denies wrongdoing. - MPs from all parties voted for a motion asking the government to produce documents about his 2001 appointment as a trade envoy. - The government said it will provide whatever records it can and indicated it will introduce legislation to remove him from the line of succession. - Any change to the succession would require approval from the 14 other realms where King Charles III is head of state; Australia and New Zealand have said they would support removing him. Summary: The vote reflects cross-party concern about limits on parliamentary debate and seeks greater access to records connected to Mountbatten-Windsor's public role. The government has agreed to disclose available documents and signalled it will pursue legislation to remove him from the succession, a step that requires agreement from other realms.