UK's Burnham Considering Public Inquiry Into Epstein Scandal

The British prime minister is weighing a public inquiry into the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, a government minister has said.

Burnham, who became prime minister in July, will meet Epstein's victims, Davies-Jones told BBC Newsnight, and a public inquiry could follow.

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

Nearly seven years after Epstein's death, the scandal surrounding the disgraced financier has continued to rock the British establishment. It has led to the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, King Charles' brother, and of Peter Mandelson, the former British ambassador to the United States.

British police are already investigating a number of allegations related to Epstein, with possible offences ranging from child sex abuse to trafficking women through UK airports and misconduct in public office.

Davies-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 rape and sexual assault by hundreds of victims.

The minister did not set out the terms or scope of any inquiry, nor give a date for Burnham's meeting with the victims.

The allegations against the individuals named remain allegations that have not been proven in court.