Burnham 'looking into' conducting Epstein enquiry, says victims minister

Andy Burnham, the prime minister, is reportedly "looking into" the possibility of launching a public inquiry into the UK activities of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This development comes as victims minister Alex Davies-Jones confirmed that the prime minister has agreed to meet with Epstein's victims.

Davies-Jones, who resigned from a previous government accusing it of failing to listen to Epstein's survivors, was reappointed as victims minister when Burnham took office. She stated that the government is reviewing what is possible regarding potential inquiries, including whether the alleged actions of former Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed could be part of such an investigation. "We are looking at this, we are reviewing what is possible. Again, same with Harrods survivors," Davies-Jones told BBC Newsnight.

“

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

She added that she has been assured the prime minister is taking the matter 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," she said.

“

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 had previously told the House of Commons that those devastated by Epstein's abuse had too often been reduced to a footnote. She indicated that she had discussions with Burnham about systemic change for all victims before he became prime minister, and he has assured her he will meet with them now and work towards it.

BBC Newsnight understands that as Burnham finalized plans to become prime minister, he received a document from campaigners suggesting a full public inquiry into the UK activities of Epstein, Al Fayed, and allegations concerning West Ham co-owner David Sullivan. The document called for an "impunity" inquiry to examine how powerful men allegedly carried out such behavior and focused on Epstein's travel through UK military bases with allegedly trafficked women. David Sullivan has denied these claims.

“

He agreed to meet with the Epstein victims... has assured me that he will meet them now he's prime minister and will work with us to look at systemic change across the system for all victims.