Andy Burnham 'looking into' ordering public inquiries into Jeffrey Epstein and Mohamed Al Fayed abuse scandals

By PATRICK HARRINGTON, UK NEWS REPORTER Published: 07:28, 5 August 2026 | Updated: 07:28, 5 August 2026 Andy Burnham is considering launching a public inquiry into the Jeffrey Epstein and Mohamed Al Fayed abuse scandals, the victims minister has said. The Prime Minister is said to have agreed to meet some of Epstein's victims, and to be 'looking into' the prospect of a full inquiry into his and other powerful alleged abusers' activities on British soil. Victims minister Alex Davies-Jones, who resigned in protest from Sir Keir Starmer's government, told BBC Newsnight she had discussed options with Mr Burnham and top civil servant Dame Antonia Romeo during her reappointment. Asked about the chances of an inquiry under the new government, Ms Davies-Jones said: '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.' Ms Davies-Jones resigned as justice minister in May, noting a lack of 'bold, radical action' under Starmer, but returned to the role when Mr Burnham took office.  It is understood that, while Mr Burnham was preparing for No10, he was sent a document by leading Labour campaigners on violence against women and girls. Victims minister Alex Davies-Jones (pictured) said she has received assurances Andy Burnham is 'seriously' considering an inquiry into Epstein's abuse on UK soil Jeffrey Epstein was able to fly in and out of UK military bases on his private jet, often with alleged trafficking victims in tow Its core suggestion was to hold an inquiry into the activities of convicted sex offender Epstein in the UK, and into the alleged sex abuse by late Harrods boss Al Fayed and West Ham co-owner David Sullivan. More than 400 allegations of sexual misconduct have been made against Al Fayed, dating between 1977 and 2014, including sexual assault, rape, sexual exploitation and human trafficking. In June, numerous women accused Sullivan of exploitation and predatory behaviour while at the helm of his newspapers Daily and Sunday Sport – though he has strenuously denied the accusations. Yesterday BBC 5 Live presenter Tony Livesey, who was editor-in-chief of the Sport titles, left the broadcaster over accusations from one woman that he orchestrated an unwanted sexual encounter at Sullivan's home. The document reportedly called for an 'impunity' inquiry to probe how these powerful men were allegedly able to get away with brazen abuse and exploitation. In relation to Epstein, it urged an investigation into how he was able to fly in and out of military bases in the UK, often with alleged trafficking victims in tow. Anouska De Georgiou, an Epstein survivor, told Newsnight: 'I welcome reports that Prime Minister Andy Burnham is considering public inquiries into the Epstein and Maxwell, Harrods/Mohamed Al-Fayed, and David Sullivan cases. 'Survivors have heard promises before, so what matters now is action, not headlines.' Fellow Epstein survivor Lisa Phillips said she hoped a meeting with Mr Burnham would mark 'the beginning of a new chapter, one where survivors are heard, lessons are learned, institutions are held accountable where appropriate, and lasting reforms help protect future generations'.