Defence Secretary John Healey has mandated a comprehensive review of Ministry of Defence records spanning over two decades to investigate whether Jeffrey Epstein, the late financier and convicted sex offender, utilised Royal Air Force bases to facilitate the trafficking of women and girls into the United Kingdom. This directive requires MoD officials to meticulously search military files and provide any flight logs associated with Epstein to relevant police authorities for further scrutiny.
Background and Political Reactions
The review follows heightened concerns and public calls for transparency, including former Prime Minister Gordon Brown's demand for investigations into whether Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, during his tenure as a trade envoy, used taxpayer-funded jets and RAF bases to meet with Epstein. Earlier this month, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Lord Peter Mandelson, a former UK ambassador to Washington, were arrested and subsequently released on bail in connection with alleged links to Epstein, adding urgency to the probe.
Government Stance and Ongoing Investigations
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has refrained from calling for a public inquiry into Epstein's potential use of British airports, emphasising that ongoing police investigations should take precedence. He stated that allowing law enforcement to proceed without interference is crucial for uncovering the truth and ensuring justice. The MoD review aims to complement these efforts by examining defence-specific records that may shed light on Epstein's activities involving military infrastructure.
This investigation underscores broader issues of security and accountability within UK defence operations, as authorities seek to determine if Epstein exploited RAF bases for illicit purposes. The findings could have significant implications for military protocols and international trafficking prevention measures.
