Andy Burnham considers public inquiry into Jeffrey Epstein's UK activities: minister claims

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s administration is actively exploring the possibility of a public inquiry into the UK activities of the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following statements made by Victims' Minister Alex Davies-Jones.

According to Jones interview during a BBC programme, the newly elected British prime minister in July will meet with Epstein’s victims, and a public inquiry could follow.

The prime minister said, "We are looking into this... We are seeing what is possible."

The statement came as British police is already investigating a number of allegations related to the disgraced financier, with possible offences ranging from child sex abuse to trafficking women through UK airports and misconduct in public office.

Jones said any public inquiry could also examine the alleged actions of the late Egyptian billionaire Mohamed al-Fayed, another public figure who has been accused of human trafficking, rape and sexual assault by hundreds of victims.

As reported, the potential inquiry follows intense public and political pressure stemming from disturbing disclosures in international Epstein files.

The revelations triggered major domestic scandals in the UK including criminal investigations into misconduct in public office, high-profile arrests, and intense scrutiny over elite political and royal networks that historically shielded or maintained ties with Epstein.

Nearly seven years after his death, the Epstein scandal has rocked the British establishment, leading to the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, King Charles' brother, and of Peter Mandelson, the former British ambassador to the U.S.

Alongside political mulling of a public inquiry, British police are separately pursuing active criminal probes focusing on potential offenses that range from child sexual abuse and human trafficking through UK airports to misconduct in public office.