Week Ahead: Jeffrey Epstein Netflix exposé to add to pressure on Prince Andrew

‘UNLOCKDOWN’ CONTINUES

The process of gradually moving the nation out of lockdown measures is to reach a new stage on Thursday, when the next review of existing measures is to take place to decide whether to go ahead with further easing measures that could include the phased reopening of primary schools from next Monday.

Other issues likely to be under discussion will be the opening of “non-essential” shops, as well as allowing cultural and sporting events like the Premier League to return behind closed doors but be broadcast on television.

There are also hopes that the ban on visiting the homes of friends and family may be eased - potentially by allowing people to expand their household group to include one other household.

With the different nations of the United Kingdom now taking an individual approach to the easing of lockdown after it initially began across the country on March 23, this Thursday is also expected to see the first lifting of restrictions in Scotland which will allow Scots to meet people from one other household outside and the return of non-contact outdoor sports like golf.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

A major new Netflix documentary series about convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein airing on Wednesday will make uncomfortable viewing for Prince Andrew, with even its advertising trailer released earlier this month making headlines.

The four-part series, called Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich, will feature first-hand accounts from a “sisterhood of survivors” some of whom are speaking for the first time about the disgraced financier.

In a recent trailer for the programme, the Duke of York’s accuser Virginia Giuffre warned Jeffrey Epstein’s alleged associates “you took our freedom, now we’re going to take yours”.

The show promises to explore how billionaire Epstein used his wealth and power to carry out his abuse. It will also look at Epstein’s “Gatsby-like” existence and raises questions about how he died in jail in 2019.

The trailer included the well-known image of Prince Andrew with his arm around the waist of a young Ms Giuffre. She has claimed she was trafficked by Epstein and alleges the duke had sex with her on three separate occasions, including when she was 17, still a minor under US law.

Andrew, who categorically denies he had any form of sexual contact or relationship with Ms Giuffre, stepped down from royal life last year after his disastrous Newsnight interview in which he failed to show remorse over his friendship with Epstein.

He has faced repeated calls to talk to the FBI and US prosecutors still investigating Epstein.

DUNKIRK ANNIVERSARY

Just a few weeks after the nation marked the 75th anniversary of VE Day, this Tuesday brings up another important war-time anniversary.

It is the 80th anniversary of the beginning of the Dunkirk evacuation, which saw more than 300,000 Allied troops were rescued from the beaches and harbour of Dunkirk over a nine day period.

FINISH LINE IN SIGHT

A nine-year-old boy from Yorkshire with cerebral palsy and autism is expected to finish his marathon fundraising challenge on Sunday after being inspired by Captain Tom Moore.

Tobias Weller from Sheffield has been walking 750 metres a day to raise £30,000 for Sheffield Children’s Hospital and his special school, cheered on by his neighbours.

The effort began at the start of lockdown to help Tobias with his physio - which led to the marathon target and the fundraising effort.

The challenge has been made even harder by the fact the family live in a hilly area of Sheffield.

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