Burnham 'looking into' conducting Epstein inquiry, says victims minister
Victims minister Alex Davies-Jones says the government is reviewing the possibility of holding a public inquiry into Jeffrey Epstein and Mohamed Al Fayed.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Andy Burnham is looking into holding a public inquiry into Jeffrey Epstein's UK activities.
- Victims minister Alex Davies-Jones confirms the prime minister has agreed to meet with Epstein's victims.
- The government is also reviewing potential inquiries into former Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed.
- A Labour campaign document also raised allegations against West Ham co-owner David Sullivan, who denied the claims.
Andy Burnham is actively exploring 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 to BBC Newsnight, Davies-Jones disclosed that the prime minister has agreed to meet with Epstein's survivors. She further noted that the administration is reviewing whether the alleged actions of former Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed should also be examined as part of an official inquiry.
Davies-Jones previously resigned from former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's government in May, accusing the prior administration of ignoring Epstein's survivors. She was later reappointed to her role as victims minister when Burnham assumed office.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
During the program, she explained that she had discussed holding public inquiries into the alleged misconduct of both Epstein and Al Fayed with the prime minister and cabinet secretary Dame Antonia Romeo during her reappointment talks. When asked if an inquiry is now achievable, Davies-Jones stated that they are reviewing all possibilities, noting a similar approach regarding Harrods survivors.
"I have been assured that the prime minister is taking this very seriously. 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."
Alex Davies-Jones
According to BBC Newsnight, as Burnham prepared to take office, he received a document from prominent Labour campaigners focused on Violence Against Women and Girls. The proposal urged a full public inquiry into Epstein's UK activities, Al Fayed's alleged behavior, and accusations featured in a BBC Panorama and Times investigation involving West Ham co-owner David Sullivan. Sullivan has firmly rejected the claims, stating he is entirely mischaracterised by the media.
This push for a comprehensive public inquiry highlights mounting political scrutiny regarding how powerful figures operated with apparent impunity and how institutional oversight failed, particularly concerning border controls and private aviation use. For Prime Minister Andy Burnham's administration, navigating these demands represents a crucial test of accountability and responsiveness to victims seeking justice.
Anouska di Georgiou, an Epstein survivor, shared her perspective with BBC Newsnight, stating she welcomes reports that Prime Minister Andy Burnham is considering public inquiries into these high-profile cases. She emphasized that survivors have received promises before, making tangible action far more important than headlines.
Source: BBC Politics
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