UK Leaders Dispute Claim Burnham Considers Epstein Inquiry
UK leaders said Prime Minister Andy Burnham was not actively considering a public inquiry into Jeffrey Epstein. Epstein was a sex offender.
This statement contrasts with comments from victims minister Alex Davies-Jones. On Tuesday Davies-Jones said Burnham agreed to meet Epstein's victims.
She said he was looking into an inquiry into Epstein. She said he was also looking into a separate inquiry.
That second inquiry involves former Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed. She said Burnham was taking this very seriously.
Davies-Jones told the BBC she discussed an inquiry with Burnham. This happened when she was reappointed to her role.
That talk happened before leaders denied he was considering it. Davies-Jones also said more than 400 allegations were made against Al Fayed.
Police are investigating at least 156 people who contacted them. Twenty-one of those people came forward before Al Fayed died in 2023.
The government also has a separate inquiry underway into victims of grooming gangs. It remains unclear if the government is actively pursuing the proposed inquiries.
Key Terms 5
- Andy Burnham UK Prime Minister mentioned in this story.
- No 10 Common name for the UK prime minister's office.
- Jeffrey Epstein A sex offender whose crimes are being investigated.
- Mohamed Al Fayed Former owner of Harrods store facing abuse allegations.
- victims minister A UK government official who handles crime victim support policy.