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		</div><p>British telecoms giant BT has warned it will only continue to back a digital skills award scheme if Prince Andrew is dropped as patron, as pressure mounts over the royal role of the British Queen’s second son.</p>
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<p>The firm joins a growing number of multimillion-euro businesses, universities and charities who have distanced themselves from Andrew in the wake of his interview about his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.</p>
<p>BT called for the Duke of York to be removed as patron of iDEA – The Duke of York Inspiring Digital Enterprise Award – a programme which helps develop digital enterprise and employability skills.</p>
<p>A spokesman for BT said: “We have been working with the company since its launch in 2017 and our dealings have been with its executive directors, not its patron, the Duke of York.</p>
<p>“As a leading provider of online digital skills training, iDEA was a natural partner for our new Skills for Tomorrow programme.</p>
<p>“However, in light of recent developments we are reviewing our relationship with the organisation and hope that we might be able to work further with them, in the event of a change in their patronage.”</p>
<p>Murdoch University in Perth has ended its relationship with Andrew’s tech initiative Pitch@Palace Australia, joining Bond University and the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) who have also terminated their association, while the University of Wollongong (UoW) is reviewing its support.</p>
<p>Andrew was accused of showing a lack of empathy towards Epstein’s victims and a lack of remorse over his friendship with the disgraced financier, who took his own life while imprisoned earlier this year.</p>
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<p>In the Newsnight interview, the duke also denied claims he slept with Virginia Giuffre, one of Epstein’s victims, on three separate occasions, twice while she was under age.</p>
<p>A spokesman for Murdoch University told the PA news agency: “Murdoch University has today advised Buckingham Palace it would not continue its participation in Pitch@Palace in 2020.</p>
<p>“We remain committed to supporting innovators and entrepreneurs.</p>
<p>“However, in the current circumstances we have decided that our efforts in this area are best served through other means.”</p>
<p>A Bond spokeswoman said: “We have previously said any new agreement would be considered in 2020. However, in light of recent events, the university does not intend to seek any further involvement.”</p>
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