ANDY BURNHAM said he would not open a public inquiry into paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein today after members of his government indicated they were “looking into” holding one.

The new PM walked back the comments made by victims minister Alex Davies-Jones the day prior, who also said British victims of Mr Epstein would be invited to meet Mr Burnham.

A Ministry of Justice (MoJ) spokesperson said yesterday that a public inquiry was “not being actively considered.”

Yesterday evening, Ms Davies-Jones had suggested ministers were considering an inquiry into alleged sexual misconduct by former Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed, who died in 2023.

It followed demands from campaigners calling for an “impunity” inquiry investigating the British activities of Epstein, the alleged behaviour of Al Fayed and allegations of sexual misconduct against West Ham co-owner David Sullivan, according to the BBC.

Mr Sullivan has denied the accusations against him.

More than 400 allegations have been made against Al Fayed, dating between 1977 and 2014, including sexual assault, rape, sexual exploitation and human trafficking.

An ongoing Met Police investigation saw at least 156 victims come forward, including 21 before the Harrod’s owner’s death.

When asked if such a public inquiry would be launched, Ms Davies-Jones said: “We are looking into this, we are reviewing what is possible… same with Harrods survivors.

“We already have a now statutory inquiry under way for the grooming gangs victims. I have been assured that the Prime Minister is taking this very seriously.”

But today, the MoJ said the PM is “committed to meeting with victims, but a public inquiry is not being actively considered.”

Epstein survivor Lisa Phillips said she hoped Mr Burnham would hear survivors’ calls for accountability and reforms “to protect future generations.”