UK Government Considers Epstein Inquiry

The British government is considering a public inquiry into the UK activities of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Victims Minister Alex Davies-Jones told BBC Newsnight.

She said Prime Minister Andy Burnham had agreed to meet Epstein’s victims and was examining what action the government could take. Ministers are also reviewing whether any inquiry could include allegations against former Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed.

Davies-Jones said she had discussed the proposal with Burnham and Cabinet Secretary Antonia Romeo.

According to the BBC, Burnham received a document while preparing to take office that proposed a wider inquiry into Epstein, Al Fayed and allegations against West Ham United co-owner David Sullivan, who denies the claims.

The document called for an examination of how powerful men were allegedly able to evade accountability. In Epstein’s case, it proposed investigating his use of British military bases and the alleged transport of trafficked women.

Epstein survivor Anoushka De Georgiou welcomed the prospect of inquiries but said action rather than promises would be decisive.

(bbc, bak)