Former Minister Jess Phillips Called for an Inquiry, Citing "Impunity" for Powerful Men

Andy Burnham is not actively considering a public inquiry into Jeffrey Epstein's actions in the UK, despite two ministers saying the government is "looking into" it. Victims minister Alex Davies-Jones said the prime minister has agreed to meet Epstein's victims and is reviewing options, while justice minister Jake Richards said it was "right that we look into what we can do. However, No 10 is not actively considering such an inquiry, though a Ministry of Justice spokesperson said Burnham is committed to meeting victims and reviewing all options.

Davies-Jones, who resigned in May over a lack of "bold, radical action" under Sir Keir Starmer, returned when Burnham took office. A separate review into allegations against Mohamed Al Fayed, the former Harrods owner who died in 2023, is also underway, with more than 400 allegations of sexual misconduct dating from 1977 to 2014. The Met Police are speaking to at least 156 victims. Former minister Jess Phillips called for an inquiry, citing "impunity" for powerful men.

Epstein survivor Lisa Phillips hoped a meeting would mark "the beginning of a new chapter. Labour campaigners have also sent Burnham a document calling for an inquiry into Epstein, Al Fayed, and West Ham co-owner David Sullivan, who faces allegations from seven women.