US lawmakers urge King to ‘answer what he knew’ about Andrew’s Epstein links

The King has been urged to “answer what he knew” about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s links with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein and make his brother testify in the US.

Democrat congressman Ro Khanna said the Royal Family had “not been transparent” and Democrat congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernandez said King Charles III should “direct his brother” to answer questions, in an interview with the BBC.

It comes after the King announced Buckingham Palace was ready to cooperate in the event of a police inquiry into Andrew’s links to Epstein and made clear his “profound concern” over the allegations made against his brother.

He was forced to act after the US Justice Department released millions of pages of documents revealing details of the former prince‘s relationship with Epstein.

Andrew appears to have sent Epstein confidential reports from a 2010 tour of south-east Asia, which he undertook as Britain’s envoy for international trade. Thames Valley Police said on Monday that the force was assessing the reports.

Among the other claims are that a woman was sent to the UK by Epstein for a sexual encounter with Andrew – which police say they are also investigating – and that the former prince and Epstein asked an exotic dancer for a threesome in Epstein’s Florida home.

Mr Khanna, the congressman who co-sponsored the law that compelled the justice department to release the Epstein files last year, said the royal family should reveal what they knew and what “action they’re going to take”.

He said this was the “most vulnerable” the British monarchy had been and stripping Andrew of the right to be called prince was not enough.

Ms Fernandez also told BBC’s Newsnight the King should compel his brother to “answer questions here at the oversight committee”. She also called for an inquiry in England.

The brother of accuser Virginia Giuffre, Sky Roberts, also said Andrew should “show up in front of our congress and answer questions”.

Andrew, who was stripped of his titles by the King last year, has always denied any wrongdoing. But he has not spoken publicly about the latest revelations.

Buckingham Palace had said Andrew would leave Royal Lodge in early 2026, but the former prince is now living on King Charles’s privately owned Sandringham Estate.

The Duke of Edinburgh was the first royal to publicly speak out since the Epstein documents were released, saying last week that it was important to “remember the victims” when asked how he was “coping” since the US Department of Justice’s document dump.

The Prince and Princess of Wales have also spoken out publicly to say they are “deeply concerned” by the scandal.

A Kensington Palace spokesperson said: “I can confirm that the Prince and Princess of Wales have been deeply concerned by the continued revelations. Their thoughts remain focused on the victims.”

King Charles and Queen Camilla were heckled last week over his brother’s association with Epstein during a royal walkabout through the Essex village of Dedham.

The heckler, who was standing in the crowds behind the metal barriers, shouted: “Charles, Charles, have you pressurised the police to start investigating Andrew?”

The King was heckled again on Monday over Andrew during a royal visit to Lancashire.

As he met well-wishers at Clitheroe train station in Lancashire, a man shouted at Charles: “How long have you known about Andrew and Epstein?”

Charles appeared not to react, while members of the crowd booed the question.

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “The King has made clear, in words and through unprecedented actions, his profound concern at allegations which continue to come to light in respect of Mr Mountbatten-Windsor’s conduct.

“While the specific claims in question are for Mr Mountbatten-Windsor to address, if we are approached by Thames Valley Police we stand ready to support them as you would expect. As was previously stated, Their Majesties’ thoughts and sympathies have been, and remain with, the victims of any and all forms of abuse.”

Warning of four-hour airport delays this summer due to EU entry-exit rollout

Europe’s airports and airlines have joined forces to demand that the EU suspends the planned full implementation of the entry-exit system (EES) – or risk waits for British passengers of four hours or more in summer.

The much-delayed EU digital borders scheme requires “third-country nationals” including UK passport holders, to provide fingerprints and facial biometrics the first time they cross a Schengen area border. For subsequent entries and exits, one biometric is sufficient.

The EES began to be rolled out in October 2025. The 29 Schengen member states have progressive targets for the proportion of non-EU citizens who are screened at the frontiers they operate.

The European Commission insists the digital borders scheme is operating “largely without issues”.

At present, at least 35 per cent of third-country nationals should be asked to provide biometrics.

Until the roll-out is concluded, which is scheduled to be no later than 9 April, travellers are experiencing double red tape – with analogue checking and stamping of passports required in addition to possible digital checks.

With half-term approaching, there are serious concerns about the preparedness of frontier systems specifically at Geneva – gateway to the Alps, for tens of thousands of British skiers – and the Canary Islands.

Aviation industry leaders have written to Magnus Brunner, the EU commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, warning him that even at the current level of barely one-third of non-EU citizens, “persistent excessive waiting times of up to two hours” are happening at airport border control.

Such delays are particularly acute for departing travellers, with reports of many passengers being left behind because they are unable to reach the gate in time due to long queues.

The letter is jointly signed by Olivier Jankovec, director general of Airports Council International (ACI) Europe; Ourania Georgoutsakou, managing director of Airlines for Europe (A4E); and Thomas Reynaert, senior vice-president of the International Air Transport Association (Iata).

They warn: “There is a complete disconnect between the perception of the EU institutions that EES is working well, and the reality, which is that non-EU travellers are experiencing massive delays and inconvenience.”

Airlines and airports say three “critical issues” are compounding EES delays:

The trio say: “Unless immediate action is taken to resolve these critical issues, mandatory EES registrations of all border crossings during the peak summer season, in particular in July and August, would result in waiting times of up to four hours or more.”

They want the European Commission “to confirm that Schengen Member States will retain the ability to partially or totally suspend EES until the end of October 2026”.

Markus Lammert, European Commission spokesperson for Internal Affairs, said at a briefing on the EES: “The entry-exit system was successfully launched across member states in a progressive approach in October last year.

“This is a very big step forward for the EU in our collective security. With this digital system, we strengthen the security of our common borders and of the Union as a whole, and we make travelling smoother for all travellers.

“We see very good results: 23 million entries and exits registered so far, all major airports connected, and also 12,000 refusals of entry.

“Now, rolling out such a large-scale system is a complex and complicated task. This is why we went for a progressive rollout with built-in flexibility that means that member states do have the tools necessary to manage any potential problems.

“Thanks to this progressive launch, what we see is that initial changes that are typical for any new systems that have to be introduced have been addressed.

“We also see that since the start of the system, this happened largely without major issues, even during the peak holiday period.”

The aviation leaders say in their letter: “There is a complete disconnect between the perception of the EU institutions that EES is working well, and the reality, which is that non-EU travellers are experiencing massive delays and inconvenience.

At the briefing, Mr Lammert said: “We know that the gradual rollout runs until April, but since we hear also about concerns regarding the coming summer, there’s also even flexibility inbuilt for the summer period – so member states, if needed, can always prolong this gradual rollout period until September.”

Read more: Simon Calder on what UK travellers need to know for 2026

Tottenham sack Thomas Frank after dire domestic run

Tottenham have sacked head coach Thomas Frank after just eight months in charge and following a eight-game winless run in domestic competitions.

Spurs suffered another home defeat Tuesday night as fellow under-performers Newcastle ran out 2-1 winners in north London, with fans once again aiming chants of “you’re getting sacked in the morning” towards their manager.

Spurs are now searching for a new manager just 11 days before a north London derby against Arsenal, with no game this weekend after losing in the third round of the FA Cup to Aston Villa.

The club also face the prospect of a relegation battle with only a five-point gap to West Ham in 18th.

A club statement read: “The Club has taken the decision to make a change in the Men’s Head Coach position and Thomas Frank will leave today. Thomas was appointed in June 2025, and we have been determined to give him the time and support needed to build for the future together.

“However, results and performances have led the Board to conclude that a change at this point in the season is necessary. Throughout his time at The Club, Thomas has conducted himself with unwavering commitment, giving everything in his efforts to move the Club forward. We would like to thank him for his contribution and wish him every success in the future.”

Such a hostile atmosphere was seen during January’s home defeat London rivals West Ham, another struggling side, and dissatisfaction has grown following dropped points against relegation-threatened Burnley, as well as Saturday’s defeat to Manchester United.

While an impressive Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund appeared to give Frank a reprieve in January, before a victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the same competition.

But the league form proved the decisive factor for Spurs to make a decision, despite the 52-year-old signing a three-year contract when he replaced Ange Postecoglou at the end of last season, following his impressive seven-year-spell at Brentford.

Tottenham’s home Premier League form has been particularly bad under Frank. They have just two home league wins all season, with the loss against the Magpies marking their seventh home league defeat of the campaign.

Frank even faced chants from his own fans: “You’re getting sacked in the morning”.

Boos could be heard at half-time and just four minutes into the second half, Tottenham fans in the South Stand were heard singing for Mauricio Pochettino.

The Argentine, who managed London rivals Chelsea since his highly successful spell in north London, which saw him guide Spurs to the Champions League final, losing to Liverpool, will coach the United States at this summer’s World Cup 2026.

Spurs will now prepare to face Premier League leaders Arsenal, before a trip to Fulham and a home game against Crystal Palace.

“It became untenable,” former Spurs player Danny Murphy told Talk Sport. “He did well to get as long as he did, their home form has been disastrous.

“When a manager is under pressure, it translates to the players, they’ve not been able to play free. By relieving that pressure, what they’re hoping, they’ll hope the fans will be back on board and the players will play free.

“I feel for him, there have been injuries, but it’s not been good enough. It’s hard to see an identity. The players are bereft of confidence. He couldn’t carry on.”

British woman ‘shot dead by father on US holiday after argument about Trump’

A man shot his daughter at his home in the US after the pair had an argument about Donald Trump, an inquest has heard.

Lucy Harrison, a fashion buyer from Warrington in Cheshire, had been staying with her father, Kris Harrison and his family in the Dallas, Texas suburb of Prosper when she died.

An inquest into the 23-year-old’s death is being held at Cheshire Coroner’s Court.

On Tuesday, Lucy’s boyfriend, Sam Littler told the inquest that he had travelled with her to the US, where her father had moved when she was young, for a holiday.

He said Lucy would often become upset with her father when he spoke about his ownership of a gun.

The inquest also heard that Mr Harrison had previously been to rehab for alcohol addiction.

On the morning of 10 January, when Lucy and Mr Littler were due to return home to the UK, there was a “big” argument between Lucy and her father about Mr Trump, who was to be inaugurated as president, Mr Littler said.

“Kris and Lucy ended up having quite a big argument which led to Lucy running upstairs and being upset.”

He said Lucy had asked her father: “How would you feel if I was the girl in that situation and I’d been sexually assaulted?”

Mr Harrison had replied that he had two other daughters who lived with him so it would not upset him that much, Mr Littler said.

He told the coroner’s court that later that day, about half an hour before they were to leave to go to the airport, Lucy had been in the kitchen, when her father took her by the hand and led her into his ground floor bedroom.

About 15 seconds later he heard a loud bang and then heard Mr Harrison screaming for his wife, Heather, he said.

Mr Littler said: “I remember running into the room and Lucy was lying on the floor near the entrance to the bathroom and Kris was just screaming, just sort of nonsense.”

Ms Harrison’s mother, Jane Coates, said her daughter, who worked for fashion brand Boohoo, was a “real force of life”.

She said: “She cared. She was passionate about things. She loved to have debates about things that meant a lot to her.”

Mr Harrison did not attend the hearing to give evidence.

Ana Samuel, representing him, made an application at the start of the hearing for coroner Jacqueline Devonish to recuse herself from the case, saying a fair-minded observer may conclude there was a real possibility she was biased.

She said the inquest had been conducted “in a manner more akin to a criminal investigation than a fact-finding inquiry”.

Lois Norris, representing Ms Coates, said the application was an “ambush by Mr Harrison’s legal team”.

She said Mr Harrison was the “person in the room who shot Ms Harrison” and the only person who was in the room when it happened.

Ms Devonish refused the application to recuse herself.

The inquest is expected to conclude on Tuesday.

Controversial plans to change UK’s busiest station given green light

Controversial plans to redevelop London Liverpool Street railway station have been approved, despite campaigners warning they will “destroy” a conservation area.

Network Rail’s proposals to transform the Grade II-listed station were granted planning permission by the City of London on Tuesday.

The £1.2billion project involves building a mixed-use 97-metre (318ft) tower block over the concourse of what is the UK’s busiest railway station. Network Rail said its plans respect the station’s “unique heritage”.

The plans were submitted in 2023 but were adapted in November 2024 after thousands of people objected.

However, actor Griff Rhys Jones, who is president of the Victorian Society and the Liverpool Street Station Campaign (Lissca), claimed it was a “sad day for the City of London”.

He said: “A disfiguring billion-pound office block on top of a major heritage asset is not essential to the City’s development plans.

“It is doubtful whether it will easily provide the profit to ‘improve’ the concourse, and can only realise a small amount of extra space for the passenger. Its focus is retail opportunities, which the commuter doesn’t need. It will destroy an existing conservation area. It demolishes listed buildings. It is harmful to the surrounding historic fabric.”

Rhys Jones accused the City of London of having “bowed to developer ambitions, set a bad precedent for London and [ignored] the user”.

Lissca said it has “the backing of thousands of supporters” and will “now await the decisions of the mayor of London and, if necessary, the secretary of state for housing, communities and local government”.

Network Rail said the project had “been carefully designed to safeguard Liverpool Street’s unique heritage”, adding “the Victorian trainshed remains completely untouched”.

It said changes to the station will unlock new views over the Victorian architecture, claiming this would bring “passengers closer to the heritage than ever before”.

Network Rail said its plans will increase overall concourse capacity by 76 per cent, improve passenger flow, provide step-free access from street level to all platforms, including London Underground lines, and result in more lifts and escalators.

Ellie Burrows, managing director for Network Rail’s Eastern region, said: “This decision represents a key step towards the transformation of Britain’s busiest station and marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Liverpool Street.

“Our plans focus on improving the everyday experience for passengers whilst respecting the station’s unique heritage.

“With annual passenger numbers forecast to grow to 158 million, this approval ensures the station will be future-proofed for decades to come.”

Figures from regulator the Office of Rail and Road show the estimated number of entries and exits at Liverpool Street in the year to the end of March 2025 was 98.0 million.

Chairman of the City of London Corporation planning and transportation committee, Tom Sleigh, said: “Everyone likes an upgrade, and this astonishing improvement to Britain’s busiest train station is just that; a major improvement by every measure. It’s a late, but very welcome Christmas present for the nation.

“The soaring brick arches and bold architecture will cement Liverpool Street’s status as a modern temple to transport.”

The Independent has contacted Network Rail for comment.

Why Gran Hotel Taoro is Tenerife’s must-book luxury stay for 2026

Tenerife’s iconic Gran Hotel Taoro holds a special place in Spanish history. As the first luxury hotel in Spain, opening its doors in 1890, it was a glamorous haven for high society, welcoming everyone from King Alfonso XIII and the Duke of Kent to author Agatha Christie.

Now, after a complete renovation, the landmark hotel has been reborn as an elegant 21st-century destination that’s ready to welcome you for the ultimate five-star break.

The hotel’s carefully preserved neo-classical architecture exudes old-world elegance, while colonial-inspired interiors in earthy tones and modern five-star comforts promise a stay that feels both timeless and contemporary.

Set on a lush hilltop in northern Tenerife and overlooking the historic town of Puerto de la Cruz, the hotel’s 199 rooms and suites make the most of its enviable location, featuring breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Teide – the highest point in Spain – the Atlantic Ocean, and the palm-dotted greenery of its terraces and surrounding botanical parks.

Prepare to embark on an unforgettable culinary journey throughout your stay, with exceptional restaurants celebrating local and international flavours.

At fusion restaurant OKA, helmed by Michelin-starred chef Ricardo Sanz, Japanese fine dining is given a mouthwatering Mediterranean twist.

Two-Michelin-starred chef Erlantz Gorostiza is the mastermind behind two more restaurants: Spanish gourmet bistro Amalur, with a menu inspired by the four elements; and fine dining restaurant Lava, whose exclusive setting includes a Chef’s Counter for six guests.

Breakfast at Atlantico Buffet is the perfect way to start the day as you savour delicious dishes alongside terrace views. For leisurely poolside lunches, La Carola is the place to be, serving Mediterranean flavours and crisp Canarian wines with a generous side of Tenerife sunshine.

Secure your holiday to Gran Hotel Taoro with British Airways Holidays and enjoy a great-value holiday with quality and peace of mind. You’ll benefit from ATOL protection from the moment you book, a 24-hour helpline and a generous checked baggage allowance. Book your holiday with a low deposit and spread the cost with flexible payments* – so all that’s left to focus on is enjoying your holiday in style.

If you upgrade to Club Europe, you’ll enjoy a host of additional benefits including lounge access,** increased checked baggage allowance, and priority check-in and boarding. Members of The British Airways Club benefit from collecting Avios, earning tier points and using Avios towards the cost of holiday packages.

Spend your days at the Gran Hotel Taoro relaxing by three heated pools, set amidst beautifully landscaped gardens and providing a postcard-perfect setting for some downtime.

If you want to up the relaxation factor further, head to the serene sanctuary of the Sandara Wellness Center, which offers a range of exclusive treatments in partnership with luxury French brand Anne Semonin.

Guests who want to explore the history, culture and natural wonders of the local area – including Puerto de la Cruz, the oldest tourist destination in the Canaries – can take advantage of the hotel’s new X-Plora programme, offering a range of tailor-made experiences both within and beyond the hotel grounds through the dedicated concierge team.

More than a luxury retreat, Gran Hotel Taoro is a grand hotel reborn: a destination where heritage, culture and five-star service come together in one of Tenerife’s most treasured and authentic settings. Book with British Airways Holidays to experience this Spanish icon’s remarkable return in 2026.

British Airways Holidays packages include a generous checked baggage allowance for each customer and come with full ATOL protection for complete peace of mind. Secure your Tenerife holiday to Gran Hotel Taoro with a low deposit and enjoy flexible payments until you fly*.

*Based on two sharing. Full balance due four weeks before departure. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply. **Subject to availability

• Secure your holiday with a low deposit and spread the cost with flexible payments.*

• All holiday packages include a generous checked baggage allowance.

• ATOL protection from the moment you book your holiday package giving you financial reassurance.

• Quality car hire with no hidden fees, 24-hour support and roadside assistance.

• Upgrade to Club Europe (Business Class) for a host of additional benefits including lounge access,** increased checked baggage allowance, delicious food and drink options and dedicated check-in and priority boarding.

• Members of The British Airways Club benefit from collecting Avios, earning tier points and using Avios towards the cost of holiday packages.

Disdain for Labour unites Gorton and Denton ahead of crucial by-election

Sheila Harrison, 69, has always voted Labour. Like most people in Denton, Greater Manchester, she said that when it comes to elections, there has only been one choice.

But not any more.

“I would pack Keir Starmer’s suitcase for him”, the 69-year-old tells The Independent on Manchester Road in Denton.

She says the beleaguered prime minister, currently fighting to save his premiership, “doesn’t understand the working class” and for the first time in her life, she’s voting against Labour in this month’s crucial by-election.

Engulfed in crisis, Starmer survived his toughest day as prime minister on Monday. Ministers rallied around him after he faced calls to quit from his own party, amid the fallout from the Peter Mandelson scandal.

He will attempt to move on from Mandelson, but his handling of the saga has further threatened the future of a prime minister for whom popularity is at a premium just 19 months after he came to power.

In Gorton and Denton, where the by-election could deliver the final blow to Starmer’s time in Downing Street (if he survives until polling day on 26 February), disdain is palpable.

The seat was vacated by former Labour MP Andrew Gwynne, who retired on health grounds, a year after the “Trigger Me Timbers” WhatsApp scandal cost him the party whip.

Labour now faces a perfect storm – a fight on both sides of the constituency.

That fight is expected to be against the Green Party in Gorton, made up of diverse southeastern suburbs of the city of Manchester, and against Reform in post-industrial town Denton, situated in the Greater Manchester borough of Tameside.

Both the Greens and Reform are appealing to disheartened former Labour voters like Sheila and John Harrison.

Retired pipe fitter John, 71, describes Britain as “broken”, viewing “immigration, kids with nothing to do, a lack of tidiness, lack of respect for police” as the biggest issues in Denton.

Contemplating voting for Reform, he tells The Independent that he feels let down by the government, accusing them of not delivering what was promised in their manifesto.

One change could win him back to the party, however.

“I would have voted for Andy Burnham”, he says. John sees Burnham as having more personality and being more able to connect with northern voters – he believes the Greater Manchester mayor is on his side in a way that Starmer, who he describes as “aloof”, is not.

Sheila agrees – she too would have voted for the Merseyside-born Burnham. “He’s a local, he’s a local man, whether he was from Liverpool, Manchester, whatever”, she says. “He stands for working-class people.”

Burnham, who has been mayor since 2017, could have been on the ballot, but his application was blocked by Labour’s National Executive Committee amid fears he could challenge Starmer for leadership.

It may be a move that costs the party this seat.

Retired midwife Andrea Anwyl, 77, is another lifelong Labour supporter disillusioned with the government. She may now vote Green but says she “definitely” would have voted for Burnham if he were the Labour candidate.

“I don’t like Starmer. I don’t like what he’s done”, she tells The Independent, standing in the largely empty Denton Civic Square, as few people mill between the shops which surround it.

“He promised to do this, this and this and got voted in for that. He’s not done them, as far as I know.”

Clearly, many voters in the country’s 15th most deprived constituency feel let down by a party that they believe should represent areas like theirs.

Traditionally, all corners of the seat would be Labour strongholds. The party is defending a 13,000 majority, and says only its candidate, city councillor Angeliki Stogia, can beat Reform, represented by GB News presenter and former academic Matt Goodwin.

Stogia tells The Independent that it will take time for the government to deliver change, but agreed with Starmer’s verdict that it must “go faster and we need to go deeper”.

About her election chances, she “absolutely believes” Labour can beat Reform.

She says: “We’re fighting every door. We’ve got policies. We’re listening to residents on the ground and what they want, and what they want is real action. They don’t want shouting from the sidelines.”

The Green Party and its nominee, councillor and plumber Hannah Spencer, would not agree that only Labour can beat Reform.

On the aptly named Greening Road in Levenshulme, on the Gorton side of the constituency, Green Party signs stand in several front gardens of its terraced houses. Shops along Mount Road, where the Greens have based their campaign office, display posters in support in their windows.

Outside one of them, taxi driver Muhammed Basharat, 61, from Levenshulme, tells The Independent that the Greens’ vision is “excellent”. “Education policy, foreign policy, home policy, all their policies are brilliant,” he says.

Like those contemplating a vote for Reform, he too used to support Labour. But “they disappointed us very much”, he says, citing tax rises and cuts to welfare.

Similarly, care worker Jawad Hassan, 24, believes a vote for Green is in the best interests of working people and the way to keep Reform away from power. He is not impressed by Labour’s offering.

“I don’t think they work any more for the working class,” he says, As for Reform, he says “whatever they’re doing is not good for a society where different ethnicities live together.”

At Manchester Gorton Market, mobile hairdresser Caterina Pandolfo, 65, remains undecided. Typically a Labour voter, she is put off by the prime minister and cannot forgive the treatment of Greater Manchester’s mayor.

But she will likely not be voting Reform, unimpressed by its policy offer.

She says: “The way he [Starmer] treated Andy Burnham was disgusting.

“I don’t think he’s doing very well at all, Keir Starmer, sadly,” she adds. “He could have done so much.”

At the moment, none of the parties appeals to Caterina, who says she feels alienated from the political class.

“You know, hang on a minute, we’re just normal everyday working guys,” she says. “You know, this is Gorton, for God’s sake. We’re not flipping multimillionaires, are we?”

Self-described “union man” Ian Cooney shares that feeling of detachment.

The 55-year-old electrical engineer from Gorton didn’t vote at the last general election, saying he did not trust any party to improve the area’s fortunes.

He says: “Gorton was fine years ago. I’ve lived here all my life. But we’re to a point now where it seems to be a dumping ground.”

“We seem to get a stigma when you’re living in Gorton,” he says.

Ian is leaning towards voting for Reform, believing that Labour no longer represents him.

He says: “My dad was a union guy, I’m a union man. I was brought up that way with Labour, but now their priorities are totally different from your working-class man.”

Asked why he is tempted by Reform, Ian says: “Labour have done it before, Conservatives have done it before. They’ve offered us A and B and C and it never materialised.

“Do you give them [Reform] a go and see if, see if they’re true to their word?”

Butcher who cut her ex in half and buried her in the garden jailed

Anna Podedworna, 40, who cut her former girlfriend Izabela Zablocka in half and buried her body in a garden more than 15 years ago has been jailed at Derby Crown Court for life with a minimum term of 21 years for murder.

This is a breaking story, more to follow…