Inquiry Demands Mount Over Epstein's UK Activities Amid Government Review
Victims' Minister Confirms Prime Minister's Engagement as Calls for Action Intensify Beyond Headlines
Carla Rooney
Andy Burnham is considering a public inquiry into Jeffrey Epstein's UK activities.
This stance directly contradicts earlier reports. Alex Davies-Jones, the victims' minister, confirmed the prime minister has agreed to meet Epstein's victims.
Davies-Jones stated the prime minister is "looking into" an inquiry into Epstein's UK activities and is "taking this very seriously."
She affirmed, "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."
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.
Jeffrey Epstein reportedly flew in and out of UK military bases on his private jet, often with alleged trafficking victims in tow. A separate inquiry into the alleged actions of Mohamed Al Fayed is also under consideration.
Davies-Jones confirmed the government reviews whether these alleged actions could form part of an inquiry. More than 400 allegations of sexual abuse have been made against Mohamed Al Fayed from 1977 to 2014, including claims of rape, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking.
Twenty-one complainants against Al Fayed came forward before his death. Davies-Jones stated, "We are looking into this, we are reviewing what is possible… same with Harrods survivors."
A statutory inquiry for grooming gang victims is already underway. David Sullivan strenuously denied accusations of exploitation and predatory behaviour, describing them as "factually incorrect and entirely false, decades-old allegations concerning my personal life."
Sullivan stood down as joint chairman of West Ham shortly before an investigation into the accusations broadcast. Tony Livesey reportedly left the BBC over accusations from one woman that he orchestrated an unwanted sexual encounter at Sullivan's home.
Lisa Phillips, an Epstein survivor, described the potential for inquiries as "the beginning of a new chapter, one where survivors are heard, lessons are learned, institutions are held accountable where appropriate, and lasting reforms help protect future generations."
The beginning of a new chapter, one where survivors are heard, lessons are learned, institutions are held accountable where appropriate, and lasting reforms help protect future generations.
Anouska di Georgiou, another Epstein survivor, welcomed reports of potential inquiries.
Di Georgiou emphasized, "Survivors have heard promises before, so what matters now is action, not headlines." Davies-Jones sought assurances before rejoining government that victims would always be prioritised.
She assured that the prime minister will work to examine systemic change for all victims. Keir Starmer reportedly told Lisa Phillips his "door is open" but stopped short of agreeing to meet her.