Victims minister Alex Davies-Jones has indicated that British Prime Minister Andy Burnham is "looking into" the possibility of initiating a public inquiry into the UK activities of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Davies-Jones also confirmed that the prime minister has agreed to meet with Epstein's victims.
Speaking to BBC Newsnight, Davies-Jones revealed that discussions about a public inquiry, encompassing the alleged activities of Epstein and former Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed, took place with the prime minister and cabinet secretary Dame Antonia Romeo upon her reappointment as victims minister. "We are looking at this, we are reviewing what is possible. Again, same with Harrods survivors," Davies-Jones stated.
She added that the prime minister is taking the matter "very seriously" and, now having access to all information as prime minister, is assessing potential actions. Davies-Jones, who previously resigned from a government role, had accused the previous administration of not listening to Epstein's survivors.
In June, she told the House of Commons that individuals impacted by Epstein's abuse had often been marginalized. She noted that prior to Burnham becoming prime minister, she had discussions with him, and he assured her he would meet with the victims and work towards systemic changes for all victims.
Newsnight has learned that Burnham received a document as he finalized plans to become prime minister. This document, from prominent campaigners on Violence Against Women and Girls, suggested a full public inquiry into Epstein's UK activities, the alleged conduct of Mohamed Al Fayed, and claims made in a BBC Panorama and Times investigation concerning West Ham co-owner David Sullivan. Sullivan has denied these claims, stating they are false.
The document specifically called for an "impunity" inquiry to examine how powerful men might have been able to engage in alleged misconduct. It also requested a focus on UK border activities related to Epstein, particularly how he could travel in and out of UK military bases with alleged trafficked women, an issue previously highlighted by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
Anouska di Georgiou, an Epstein survivor, welcomed the reports of potential inquiries into the Epstein, Al Fayed, and Sullivan cases. "Survivors have heard promises before, so what matters now is action, not headlines," she told BBC Newsnight.