Prime Minister Andy Burnham is “looking into” the possibility of launching a public inquiry into the UK activities of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to Victims Minister Alex Davies-Jones.
Speaking on BBC Newsnight, Davies-Jones said Burnham had also agreed to meet with survivors of Epstein’s abuse.
She added that the government is reviewing whether the alleged actions of former Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed should also be included in any future inquiry.
Davies-Jones resigned from former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s government in May, later accusing the administration of failing to adequately listen to Epstein’s survivors. She returned to the role of victims minister after Burnham became prime minister.
Government Reviewing Inquiry Options
The minister disclosed that during discussions surrounding her return to government, she raised the possibility of a public inquiry into the alleged conduct of both Epstein and Al Fayed with the prime minister and Cabinet Secretary Dame Antonia Romeo.
When asked whether such an inquiry could now take place, Davies-Jones replied:
“We are looking at this, we are reviewing what is possible. Again, same with Harrods survivors.”
She continued:
“I have been assured that the prime minister is taking this very seriously.”
According to Davies-Jones, Burnham has committed to meeting with Epstein’s victims and is reviewing available information before deciding on the next steps.
“He will meet with those victims and he is looking at what is possible, now he has access to all of the information as prime minister to see what action we can take.”
Burnham Promises To Meet Survivors
Following her resignation in May, Davies-Jones told Parliament in June that survivors of Epstein’s abuse had too often been treated as an afterthought despite the devastating impact on their lives.
Asked what commitments Burnham made before appointing her to his government, she said:
“I did have those discussions with the prime minister before he became the prime minister.”
She added:
“He agreed to meet with the Epstein victims.”
Davies-Jones said Burnham has reaffirmed that commitment since taking office.
“He has assured me that he will meet them now he’s prime minister and will work with us to look at systemic change across the system for all victims.”
Wider Inquiry May Cover Other High-Profile Cases
BBC Newsnight reported that, while Burnham was preparing to become prime minister, he received a policy document from senior Labour campaigners focused on violence against women and girls.
Among its recommendations was the creation of a comprehensive public inquiry into the UK activities of Jeffrey Epstein, allegations involving the late Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed, and claims raised in BBC Panorama and The Timesconcerning West Ham co-owner David Sullivan.
Sullivan has denied the allegations.
He previously described the claims as false and stated:
“Absolutely not the person the media has decided to paint me as.”
The document proposed an “impunity” inquiry to examine how powerful men were allegedly able to carry out abusive behaviour without being held accountable.
Regarding Epstein, it recommended examining UK border procedures, including questions over how he was allegedly able to travel through British military bases on his private jet, often accompanied by women believed to have been trafficked. Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown previously highlighted the issue in February.
BBC Newsnight reported that Davies-Jones is familiar with the proposals contained in the Labour document.
Survivor Calls For Action
Epstein survivor Anouska De Georgiou welcomed reports that the government is considering public inquiries.
She said:
“I welcome reports that Prime Minister Andy Burnham is considering public inquiries into the Epstein and Maxwell, Harrods/Mohamed Al-Fayed, and David Sullivan cases.”
However, she stressed that survivors are seeking concrete action rather than promises.
“Survivors have heard promises before, so what matters now is action, not headlines.”
Discover more from LN247
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
