Burnham considering public inquiry into Epstein claims
Prime Minister Andy Burnham is considering launching a public inquiry into Jeffrey Epstein's activities on UK soil, according to victims minister Alex Davies-Jones, who said Burnham is taking the matter "very seriously" and has agreed to meet Epstein's victims. A similar inquiry is also being weighed into allegations against the late Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed, as the new government reviews how to address historic abuse cases and rebuild trust in the criminal justice system.
Davies-Jones, who briefly resigned as justice minister in May citing a lack of "bold, radical action" under Sir Keir Starmer, said she received assurances from Burnham before rejoining his government that victims would be prioritised. More than 400 allegations of sexual misconduct, including rape and trafficking, have been made against Al Fayed, with the Metropolitan Police speaking to at least 156 victims. Justice minister Jake Richards confirmed the inquiry was under consideration, saying "no stone should be left unturned", while former minister Jess Phillips called for accountability over what she described as impunity afforded to powerful men.
In short
- Burnham weighing public inquiry into Epstein's UK activities
- Similar inquiry considered over Mohamed Al Fayed abuse allegations
- Burnham has agreed to meet victims, minister says
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Advocates for a public inquiry argue that such mechanisms are essential for establishing comprehensive truth, institutional accountability, and delivering justice where criminal prosecution of deceased individuals is no longer possible. They contend that transparent public inquiries validate victims' experiences, expose how institutions and powerful figures enabled abuse to continue unchecked, and generate systemic lessons to prevent future failures. Public inquiries, they argue, restore public confidence by demonstrating thorough investigation into institutional failings, which is particularly important given concerns about how various institutions may have enabled these abuses.
The case against
Those sceptical of public inquiries as the primary mechanism argue that comprehensive victim compensation schemes, criminal prosecution where possible, and targeted institutional reform represent more directly beneficial approaches for victims and effective systemic change. They contend that inquiries are lengthy, expensive processes that may provide symbolic recognition but often fail to deliver the material justice, financial recompense, or prosecutorial outcomes that alternative approaches offer. With the primary subjects deceased, sceptics argue resources would be better directed toward victim support, compensation, and preventing institutional failures through direct reform rather than protracted public inquiries centred on investigating historical perpetrators.
Explained simply
Jeffrey Epstein was a wealthy American financier convicted of sex offences who was accused of abusing and trafficking girls and young women. His connections with prominent people in several countries have led to questions about whether institutions knew about his activities or failed to act.
Mohamed Al Fayed, the late owner of Harrods, has also faced hundreds of allegations of sexual misconduct, including rape and trafficking. The Metropolitan Police have spoken to at least 156 people who say they were victims. The government is considering how best to examine these historic cases and respond to victims’ concerns about accountability and trust in the criminal justice system.