Andy Burnham is not actively considering a public inquiry into the UK actions of paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, despite recent claims the Government was “looking into” holding one.
Minister's comments
Speaking to BBC Newsnight, victims minister Alex Davies-Jones said that Prime Minister Andy Burnham had agreed to meet Epstein's victims, and was taking the matter "very seriously." Asked whether an inquiry was now possible, Davies-Jones said: "We are looking at this, we are reviewing what is possible. Again, same with Harrods survivors."
She added: "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."
Survivor's response
Anoushka De Georgiou, an Epstein survivor, told BBC Newsnight: "I welcome reports that Prime Minister Andy Burnham is considering public inquiries into the Epstein and Maxwell, Harrods/Mohamed Al-Fayed, and David Sullivan cases." She added: "Survivors have heard promises before, so what matters now is action, not headlines."
Government position
However, the Press Association reported today (August 5) that a public inquiry is not being actively considered by the government.
Ms Davies-Jones also suggested that ministers were considering an inquiry into the alleged sexual misconduct by former Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed. More than 400 allegations have been made against Al Fayed, dating between 1977 and 2014, including sexual assault, rape, sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
The Met Police are investigating at least 156 victims who contacted them directly, including 21 who came forward before Al Fayed’s death in 2023 at the age of 94.
