The Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, is not actively considering a new public inquiry into the activities of Jeffrey Epstein in the UK, Downing Street has indicated, despite ministerial comments suggesting the government was looking into the possibility.
The clarification came within hours of two ministers saying that such a move was being examined. The victims’ minister, Alex Davies-Jones, said on Tuesday that Mr Burnham had agreed to meet the victims of the sex offender, was «looking into» the issue of an inquiry and was «taking this very seriously». Her comments were widely read as a signal that a full investigation into Epstein’s links to Britain could be announced.
Ministers have also said they are considering a separate public inquiry into the alleged actions of Mohamed Al Fayed, the former Harrods owner. Both matters concern abuse allegations and questions about the conduct of powerful individuals in British public life.
However, it is understood that No 10 is not actively considering an Epstein inquiry at this stage. That position appears to sit at odds with the statements made by ministers, which suggested the government was already examining the case. The discrepancy has raised questions about the level of support within Downing Street for such a step, and about what victims have been told during private discussions.
The Prime Minister’s reported agreement to meet Epstein’s victims had been welcomed by those following the case, and ministers have stressed that the government is treating the matter seriously. There has been no suggestion that the commitment to meet victims has been withdrawn, but the absence of an active plan for a public inquiry means the outcome of those discussions remains uncertain.
It also remains unclear whether the government intends to treat the two cases differently. Ministers have spoken of both being looked into, but Downing Street’s clarification referred specifically to Epstein, leaving the status of the Al Fayed inquiry open.
The question of how to respond to the Epstein scandal continues to carry political weight in Britain, given the international attention the case attracts. The possibility of an inquiry into Al Fayed’s alleged actions remains on the table, with ministers confirming that it is being considered, but no formal decision has been announced.
The coming days are likely to bring further scrutiny of the difference between what ministers have said publicly and the stated position of Downing Street. For now, the government has neither confirmed an inquiry nor explicitly ruled one out for the future, leaving victims and the wider public waiting for greater clarity.
