The Ministry of Defence has initiated a formal investigation to determine whether Jeffrey Epstein utilised Royal Air Force bases for flights involving his notorious 'Lolita Express' private jet within the United Kingdom. This probe follows a comprehensive dossier submitted by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown to six police forces, urging an inquiry into whether Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor employed these military facilities for meetings with the late paedophile financier.
Defence Secretary Orders Review of Flight Records
Defence Secretary John Healey has personally mandated a thorough examination of all records held by the MoD pertaining to Epstein's aviation activities. Recently disclosed flight log data from the Epstein Files reveals that Epstein made approximately 90 flights to and from British airports spanning from the early 1990s through to 2018. An MoD spokesperson confirmed, "The defence secretary has ordered a review of all records that the department may hold relating to Epstein flights landing at RAF bases to ensure that any information which relates to Epstein's crimes is uncovered and provided to the relevant authorities."
Essex Police Assess Stansted Airport Allegations
Concurrently, Essex Police are evaluating allegations that victims of Jeffrey Epstein were transported into the private terminal at London Stansted Airport. This assessment forms part of a broader investigative effort into the financier's UK connections. The MoD has pledged full cooperation with civilian police investigations, stating, "The MoD will support any civilian police investigations. Our thoughts are with all the victims of Epstein's vile crimes."
Flight Log Details and Royal Connections
Of the 90 flights documented in the logs, around 15 are estimated to have occurred after Epstein was imprisoned for child sex offences in 2008. The aircraft, registered as N908JE, was notoriously used to ferry women and girls between Epstein's opulent residences in New York, Palm Beach, and the US Virgin Islands. Flight records indicate the jet frequently visited the UK, including smaller airfields proximate to royal residences in England and Scotland.
Political Responses and Ongoing Investigations
Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed the issue during Prime Minister's Questions, responding to Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey. Starmer emphasised, "I think it’s important to appreciate there’s obviously a police investigation going on. And I think it’s right, and I’m sure he agrees with this, that that has to go wherever the evidence takes it, and we have to let that investigation run its course before deciding what next action needs to be taken." He noted that flight logs from UK and RAF airports cannot be released until active police investigations conclude.
Earlier this month, Andrew and former US ambassador Lord Peter Mandelson were both arrested and released on bail concerning their alleged associations with Epstein. The MoD had previously stated that it is "standard practice" for private or commercial aircraft to use RAF airfields in exchange for fees covering all operational costs, but this review aims to scrutinise any potential misuse or criminal linkages.
