See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy PATRICK HARRINGTON, UK NEWS REPORTER Published: 07:28 BST, 5 August 2026 | Updated: 13:02 BST, 5 August 2026
Andy Burnham is not considering a public inquiry into the Jeffrey Epstein abuse scandal - despite his victims minister saying he was 'looking into' it.Victims minister Alex Davies-Jones suggested in a sit-down interview last night that the Prime Minister was considering a full enquiry into Epstein and other powerful alleged abusers' activities.But it has now emerged that the Prime Minister is not actively considering the move.Alex Davies-Jones, who resigned in protest from Sir Keir Starmer's government, told BBC Newsnight she had discussed the possibility of an inquiry with Mr Burnham and top civil servant Dame Antonia Romeo during her reappointment.Asked about the chances of an inquiry happening under the new government, Ms 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.'Ms Davies-Jones resigned as justice minister in May, noting a lack of 'bold, radical action' under Starmer, but returned to the role when Mr Burnham took office. It is understood that, while Mr Burnham was preparing for No10, he was sent a document by leading Labour campaigners on violence against women and girls. Victims minister Alex Davies-Jones (pictured) told Newsnight the government is 'seriously' considering an inquiry into Epstein's abuse on UK soil Jeffrey Epstein was able to fly in and out of UK military bases on his private jet, often with alleged trafficking victims in towIts core suggestion was to hold an inquiry into the activities of convicted sex offender Epstein in the UK, and into the alleged sex abuse by late Harrods boss Al Fayed and West Ham co-owner David Sullivan.More than 400 allegations of sexual misconduct have been made against Al Fayed, dating between 1977 and 2014, including sexual assault, rape, sexual exploitation and human trafficking.But it became clear this morning that Mr Burnham is not preparing to act on that recommendation. In June, numerous women accused Sullivan of exploitation and predatory behaviour while at the helm of his newspapers Daily and Sunday Sport – though he has strenuously denied the accusations.Yesterday BBC 5 Live presenter Tony Livesey, who was editor-in-chief of the Sport titles, left the broadcaster over accusations from one woman that he orchestrated an unwanted sexual encounter at Sullivan's home.The document reportedly called for an 'impunity' inquiry to probe how these powerful men were allegedly able to get away with brazen abuse and exploitation.In relation to Epstein, it urged an investigation into how he was able to fly in and out of military bases in the UK, often with alleged trafficking victims in tow.Anouska De Georgiou, an Epstein survivor, told 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.'Survivors have heard promises before, so what matters now is action, not headlines.'Fellow Epstein survivor Lisa Phillips said she hoped a meeting with Mr Burnham 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'.A Ministry of Justice Spokesperson said: 'Our thoughts are firmly with the victims of Jeffrey Epstein, who have survived devastating trauma.'As Minister Davies-Jones said, we are reviewing what is possible and will look at all options to support victims and survivors.'The Prime Minister is committed to meeting with victims, but a public inquiry is not being actively considered.'
