Burnham 'looking into' conducting Epstein inquiry, says victims minister
Downing Street has clarified that Prime Minister Andy Burnham is not actively considering a public inquiry into Jeffrey Epstein's UK activities, despite earlier comments from Victims Minister Alex Davies-Jones. The government is currently reviewing potential actions regarding survivors of Epstein and Mohamed Al Fayed.
Why it matters
The discrepancy highlights internal government confusion regarding high-profile abuse allegations and the political pressure to address historical grievances.
Image source, PA Media By Nicholas Watt , Newsnight political editor and Sophie McAlpine , BBC Newsnight Published 5 August 2026, 03:19 BST Updated 3 hours ago Andy Burnham is not actively considering holding a public inquiry into the UK activities of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Downing Street has said.
It comes after Victims Minister Alex Davies-Jones told BBC Newsnight the prime minister was "looking into" the possibility of an inquiry into the alleged actions of Epstein and the former Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed.
The prime minister has agreed to meet Epstein's victims.
Davies-Jones resigned from former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's government in May, later accusing his government of failing to listen to Epstein's survivors.
She was reappointed as victims minister when Burnham took office.
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