UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has signalled a possible public inquiry into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein’s activities.
The proposal, confirmed by members of Burnham’s government, comes amid growing pressure from survivors and campaigners seeking greater accountability over how powerful individuals accused of sexual abuse operated within the UK and whether institutions failed to protect victims or investigate allegations adequately.
Victims Minister Alex Davies-Jones stated that the Prime Minister was treating the issue with the seriousness it deserves and had committed to meeting survivors of Epstein’s abuse as part of a broader effort to strengthen confidence in the criminal justice system.
Her comments suggest Burnham’s administration is prepared to revisit long-standing concerns about institutional responses to sexual exploitation, while also examining whether further action is required in relation to other prominent abuse cases that have shaken public confidence.
The potential inquiry would not only examine allegations connected to Epstein’s presence and activities in Britain but could also form part of a wider review of how public institutions, law enforcement agencies and the justice system handled complaints involving influential individuals over several decades.
Speaking in an interview, Davies-Jones revealed that discussions with Burnham on victims’ issues began before he entered Downing Street. Having resigned from the previous government in May over lack of sufficiently bold action under former Prime Minister Keir Starmer, she stated she returned to government only after receiving assurances that victims would become a central priority under the new administration.
“I was having multiple conversations with him and his team. He agreed to meet with the Epstein victims. He was in close contact with them throughout that period where he was becoming Prime Minister, and he 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, whether that be the Epstein victims, Harrods survivors, grooming gangs victims.”
Alex Davies-Jones
The renewed focus comes as campaigners continue to argue that public confidence in Britain’s justice system has been undermined by repeated allegations that influential individuals were able to evade scrutiny for years while victims struggled to obtain justice.
When asked whether a public inquiry into Epstein remained a realistic possibility, Davies-Jones stopped short of making a formal commitment but confirmed that Ministers were actively reviewing available options.
“We are looking into this, we are reviewing what is possible same with Harrods survivors. We already have a now statutory inquiry underway for the grooming gangs victims. I have been assured that the prime minister is taking this very seriously.
Alex Davies-Jones
She added, “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.”
According to the Minister, the government’s wider objective is to rebuild trust among victims who have lost confidence in the criminal justice process.
“What more can we do to truly make sure that our criminal justice system is taking victims seriously, that they can rebuild that faith and trust in the system again? And I have had assurances from the prime minister that he’s willing to do that and make that happen.”
Calls Grow for Review of Institutional Failures
The possible inquiry into Epstein is emerging alongside growing calls for investigations into other historic allegations involving powerful public figures and major institutions.
Among the cases under review are allegations against the late Mohamed Al Fayed, the former owner of Harrods, who died in 2023. More than 400 allegations of sexual misconduct dating between 1977 and 2014 have been made against the businessman, including claims of rape, sexual assault, sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
The Metropolitan Police have confirmed they are in contact with at least 156 alleged victims, including 21 individuals who reported allegations before Al Fayed’s death at the age of 94.
The government has indicated that any decision regarding a public inquiry into Al Fayed’s alleged conduct will be considered alongside discussions surrounding Epstein’s activities, reflecting a broader effort to examine whether institutions adequately responded to repeated warning signs involving influential figures.
Justice Minister Jake Richards reinforced the government’s position, stating that the Prime Minister, Andy Burnham would carefully consider every available option before deciding on the most appropriate course of action.
“It’s right that we look into what we can do. No stone should be left unturned when we consider these horrific crimes that seem to have happened at huge scale. The Prime Minister will look into it.”
Jake Richards
He added, “he’ll take his time, no doubt, to think about the best route for victims, but also to crucially ensure lessons are learned, to make sure that these sorts of things never happen again.”
Pressure on the government has also intensified after leading Labour campaigners working on violence against women and girls reportedly submitted proposals calling for a wider “impunity inquiry.”
According to reports, the document recommends examining Epstein’s activities, allegations involving Mohamed Al Fayed and claims of sexual misconduct made against West Ham United co-owner David Sullivan.
Sullivan has been accused by seven women of sexually exploitative and predatory behaviour during a joint investigation conducted by BBC Panorama and The Times. However, he has denied wrongdoing.
Meanwhile, Epstein survivor Lisa Phillips expressed hope that Burnham’s promised meeting with victims would represent a turning point in how survivors are treated by government.
She indicated that she hoped it would mark “the beginning of a new chapter, one where survivors are heard, lessons are learned, institutions are held accountable where appropriate, and lasting reforms help protect future generations.”
READ ALSO: Hope Meets Reality as Perseus Mining, 5 Others Secure Parliamentary Ratification
