The prime minister is considering whether to order a public inquiry into Jeffrey Epstein’s activities in the UK, the victims minister has said, and has agreed to meet survivors.
Ministers review scope and next steps
Alex Davies-Jones told BBC Newsnight that she had discussed the prospect of a full public inquiry with the prime minister and the cabinet secretary, Dame Antonia Romeo, during her reappointment as victims minister. The review will also examine whether the alleged actions of former Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed should form part of any inquiry.
Davies-Jones — who resigned from government in May under the previous administration saying Epstein survivors had not been listened to — said the prime minister had agreed to meet those affected and was taking the matter seriously.
"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."
Political context and survivors’ demands
Davies-Jones said she had raised the issue with the prime minister before he took office and that assurances had been given during those discussions. She also told Newsnight that, as Burnham finalised plans to become prime minister, he was sent a document from leading Labour campaigners on Violence Against Women and Girls containing a recommendation for a full public inquiry.
The minister reiterated her view that survivors had too often been sidelined. In June, after her resignation, she told the Commons that people whose lives had been devastated by Epstein’s abuse had been reduced "to a footnote." Her reappointment places her in a position to press for systemic change across government support for victims.
What ministers say will be considered
The public inquiry option is being explored alongside other potential responses. Davies-Jones indicated the government would weigh up what is feasible now the prime minister has full access to relevant material. No formal decision on an inquiry has been announced.
- Prime minister: has agreed to meet Epstein survivors, says the victims minister.
- Review under way: ministers are assessing whether a public inquiry is possible and whether allegations involving Mohamed Al Fayed should be included.
- Ministerial continuity: Davies-Jones resigned over perceived failings under the previous administration and has been reappointed to pursue the issue.
The discussion comes amid sustained public interest in failures to protect victims of high-profile sexual abuse and demands for transparency about how institutions and individuals were able to act with impunity. Calls for inquiries in similar high-profile cases typically hinge on establishing facts, identifying systemic failings and recommending reforms.
| Person | Role / action in story |
|---|---|
| Alex Davies-Jones | Victims minister; raised inquiry possibility and secured assurance of a meeting with survivors |
| Prime minister | Considering whether to order a public inquiry; agreed to meet victims |
| Dame Antonia Romeo | Cabinet secretary; involved in discussions over the review |
Davies-Jones told Newsnight that the government must consider "systemic change across the system for all victims", signalling a focus not only on historical events but on modernising support and accountability mechanisms.
There is no timetable yet for any formal announcement on an inquiry or its remit. The victims minister said the prime minister now has access to full information and is reviewing possible actions, including a meeting with survivors and a review of whether to proceed to a public inquiry.
Any decision to launch a public inquiry would be consequential, potentially prompting further investigations, recommendations for legislative or procedural reform, and renewed scrutiny of institutions and individuals implicated by survivors’ accounts.
