Burnham Considers Public Inquiry Into Jeffrey Epstein’s UK Activities, Victims Minister Says

Prime Minister Andy Burnham is "looking into" the possibility of launching a public inquiry into the UK activities of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, victims minister Alex Davies-Jones told BBC Newsnight.

Davies-Jones said the prime minister has agreed to meet survivors of Epstein’s abuse and that ministers are also examining whether alleged conduct by the late Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed should be included in any inquiry.

The minister — who resigned in May from Sir Keir Starmer's government before being reappointed when Burnham took office — said she raised the idea of a public inquiry with both the prime minister and Cabinet Secretary Dame Antonia Romeo during discussions around her return to the role.

Asked whether an inquiry was now a live option, Davies-Jones said:

"We are looking at this, we are reviewing what is possible. Again, same with Harrods survivors."

She added that Burnham had reassured her the matter was being treated 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."

Labour Briefing Recommends Wider 'Impunity' Inquiry

BBC Newsnight reported that, as Burnham finalised plans to take office, he received a briefing from leading Labour campaigners on Violence Against Women and Girls. The document recommended a full public inquiry not only into Epstein’s UK activities, but also into allegations linked to Mohamed Al Fayed and claims featured in a BBC Panorama and The Times investigation about West Ham co-owner David Sullivan.

David Sullivan has strongly denied those claims, saying they are "false" and that he is "absolutely not the person the media has decided to paint me as." The briefing called for an "impunity" inquiry to examine how powerful men were allegedly able to commit abuses and avoid accountability.

On Epstein specifically, the briefing urged scrutiny of UK border and military base processes, asking how he was reportedly able to fly in and out of UK military bases on his private jet, sometimes accompanied by women who have since been described as trafficked. Former prime minister Gordon Brown made similar concerns public earlier in the year.

Survivors Call For Action, Not Promises

Davies-Jones is reported to be familiar with the Labour briefing. Anouska di Georgiou, an Epstein survivor, told Newsnight she welcomed reports that the prime minister is considering public inquiries into Epstein and Maxwell, Harrods/Mohamed Al-Fayed, and David Sullivan, but warned that survivors have heard promises before.

"Survivors have heard promises before, so what matters now is action, not headlines."

The programme also reported that at least five survivors linked to Mohamed Al Fayed have been confirmed as victims of modern slavery, and that one report recommended David Sullivan should avoid attending West Ham home matches while allegations are under consideration.

The government has not yet announced a formal inquiry. Ministers say reviews are ongoing as they assess what action is possible now that the prime minister has access to broader information.