Key facts
- UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is considering a public inquiry into the UK activities of Jeffrey Epstein.
- Victims minister Alex Davies-Jones confirmed Burnham's consideration and stated he will meet with Epstein's victims.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is "looking into" the possibility of a public inquiry into Jeffrey Epstein's activities in the UK, according to victims minister Alex Davies-Jones. Burnham has agreed to meet Epstein's victims and is reviewing what actions can be taken.
The potential inquiry could shed light on how powerful individuals allegedly operated with impunity in the UK and address systemic issues affecting victims of abuse.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham is "looking into" the possibility of conducting a public inquiry into the UK activities of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to victims minister Alex Davies-Jones.
Davies-Jones told BBC Newsnight that Burnham has agreed to meet with Epstein's victims and that the government is reviewing what actions are possible. She also indicated that the alleged actions of former Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed might be included in such an inquiry.
Davies-Jones, who was reappointed as victims minister when Burnham took office, had previously resigned from a previous government, accusing it of failing to listen to Epstein's survivors. She stated that she discussed holding a public inquiry with Burnham and cabinet secretary Dame Antonia Romeo before he became prime minister.
"I have been assured that the prime minister is taking this very seriously," Davies-Jones said. "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."
Before finalizing plans to become prime minister, Burnham received a document from Labour campaigners on Violence Against Women and Girls. This document suggested a full public inquiry into Epstein's UK activities, Al Fayed's alleged behavior, and claims made against West Ham co-owner David Sullivan, who has denied the allegations.
The document specifically called for an "impunity" inquiry to examine how powerful men allegedly carried out such behavior and how Epstein was able to fly in and out of UK military bases with allegedly trafficked women. Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown had previously highlighted this issue.
Anouska di Georgiou, an Epstein survivor, welcomed the reports of potential inquiries but emphasized the need for action over mere headlines, stating, "Survivors have heard promises before, so what matters now is action, not headlines."