Prime Minister Andy Burnham is reportedly considering ordering public inquiries into alleged abuse scandals involving Jeffrey Epstein and Mohamed Al Fayed. The Prime Minister has agreed to meet with some of Epstein's victims and is reviewing the prospect of a full inquiry into the activities of Epstein and other powerful alleged abusers on British soil.
Victims minister Alex Davies-Jones told BBC Newsnight that she had discussed potential options with Burnham and top civil servant Dame Antonia Romeo. "We are looking at this, we are reviewing what is possible. Again, same with Harrods survivors," Davies-Jones stated when asked about the possibility of an inquiry under the new government. She added, "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."
Davies-Jones, who had resigned as justice minister in May citing a lack of "bold, radical action" under the previous government, returned to her role when Burnham took office. It is understood that Burnham received a document from leading campaigners on violence against women and girls while preparing for his premiership. The document suggested holding an inquiry into the activities of convicted sex offender Epstein in the UK, as well as alleged sex abuse by the late Harrods boss Mohamed Al Fayed and West Ham co-owner David Sullivan.
More than 400 allegations of sexual misconduct have been made against Al Fayed, dating from 1977 to 2014, including sexual assault, rape, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking. In June, several women accused Sullivan of exploitation and predatory behavior during his tenure at the helm of the Daily and Sunday Sport newspapers, accusations he has strenuously denied. Separately, BBC 5 Live presenter Tony Livesey left his broadcaster role following accusations from one woman who alleged he orchestrated an unwanted sexual encounter at Sullivan's home.
The document reportedly called for an "impunity" inquiry to investigate how these powerful men were allegedly able to commit abuse and exploitation without consequence. Regarding Epstein, the document urged an investigation into how he was able to travel in and out of UK military bases on his private jet, often accompanied by alleged trafficking victims.
Anouska De Georgiou, an Epstein survivor, welcomed the reports, stating, "Survivors have heard promises before, so what matters now is action, not headlines." Another Epstein survivor, Lisa Phillips, expressed hope that a meeting with Prime Minister Burnham would signify "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."