The government has confirmed that no public inquiry into Jeffrey Epstein's actions in the UK is being considered, although Prime Minister Andy Burnham is committed to meeting the victims.
Confusion arose on Wednesday after Victims Minister Alex Davies-Jones suggested the Prime Minister was “looking into” a possible public inquiry into Epstein's UK activities, as well as the alleged actions of former Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed. She said she had been assured that Mr Burnham was taking the matter seriously and had agreed to meet with Epstein's victims.
Government Clarifies Stance
However, a statement from the Ministry of Justice later clarified: "Our thoughts are firmly with the victims of Jeffrey Epstein, who have survived devastating trauma. As Minister Davies-Jones said, we are reviewing what is possible and will look at all options to support victims and survivors. The Prime Minister is committed to meeting with victims, but a public inquiry is not being actively considered."
Ms Davies-Jones, who was re-appointed as Victims Minister last month, had earlier told BBC Newsnight: "We are looking into this, we are reviewing what is possible… same with Harrods survivors. I have been assured that the Prime Minister is taking this very seriously."
Victims' Hopes Dashed
Epstein survivor Anoushka di Georgiou expressed caution, saying: "Survivors have heard promises before, so what matters now is action, not headlines. If there is to be a public inquiry, it must include all three cases."
Justice minister Jake Richards said Mr Burnham would take time to decide the "best route for victims", adding: "No stone should be left unturned when we consider these horrific crimes that seem to have happened at a huge scale."
According to the BBC, leading Labour campaigners on Violence Against Women and Girls sent Mr Burnham a document calling for a full public inquiry into Epstein's UK activities, reportedly focusing on how he was able to fly in and out of UK military bases on his private jet.
