Overview
The UK government has said it is not actively looking to launch a public inquiry into the activities of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein within the United Kingdom, according to a statement from the Ministry of Justice. The clarification arrives after a government minister indicated that the prime minister was considering an inquiry.
Sequence of events
The Ministry of Justice issued the statement a day after Victims Minister Alex Davies-Jones told the BBC that Prime Minister Andy Burnham was "looking into" holding an inquiry. In response, the ministry stressed the government is not actively pursuing a public inquiry at this time.
Official comment
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: "Our thoughts are firmly with the victims of Jeffrey Epstein, who have survived devastating trauma." The spokesperson added: "The Prime Minister is committed to meeting with victims, but a public inquiry is not being actively considered." These lines were provided as the government's position on whether to initiate the formal investigatory process known as a public inquiry.
Ongoing investigations and arrests
The scandal surrounding Epstein's actions continues to reverberate across parts of the British establishment nearly seven years after his death. British police are conducting investigations into multiple allegations linked to the financier. The range of possible offences under investigation includes child sex abuse, trafficking women through UK airports, and misconduct in public office. Authorities have also carried out arrests in connection with the matter, including Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, identified as King Charles' brother, and Peter Mandelson, described as the former British ambassador to the U.S.
Context and next steps
While the ministry emphasised the prime minister's commitment to meeting victims, no active planning for a public inquiry has been announced. The police-led investigations and recent arrests remain ongoing, and the government's current stance is to refrain from initiating a public inquiry at this stage.
Summary of key facts
- The Ministry of Justice said a public inquiry is not being actively considered.
- Victims Minister Alex Davies-Jones had said the prime minister was "looking into" the possibility.
- Police investigations cover a range of alleged offences and have included arrests.