Keir Starmer Asserts Law Applies to All in Epstein Case Inquiry
Sir Keir Starmer has emphasized the fundamental principle that “nobody is above the law” amid ongoing investigations triggered by new disclosures from the Jeffrey Epstein files. Nine police forces across the UK are currently evaluating these materials or are in the process of gathering additional information concerning the allegations contained within them.
Police Investigation Overview
The National Crime Agency is assisting local forces in conducting thorough assessments of the newly released Epstein documents. These files have revealed serious allegations of sexual abuse, trafficking, and have shed light on the connections Epstein had with influential individuals, including members of the royal family.
Key Developments
- Police Scotland has urged anyone with pertinent information to step forward after the DOJ’s extensive release regarding Epstein.
- Flight records indicate that Prince Andrew traveled to Edinburgh on Epstein’s private jet in 2006.
- Surrey Police are reviewing decades-old allegations of human trafficking linked to Epstein and Maxwell.
- The Metropolitan Police will investigate claims that close protection officers failed to act during visits to Epstein’s private island.
Starmer remarked that whether Prince Andrew or anyone else has useful information, they should voluntarily assist with investigations. His comments follow increasing calls for accountability after the release of Epstein’s records by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Specific Allegations
A former senior Met protection officer disclosed that Andrew’s team traveled with him to Epstein’s island multiple times, including on one occasion utilizing Epstein’s private jet. Virginia Giuffre, a key figure in allegations against Andrew, claimed to have had sexual encounters with him on the island. Although the Met is investigating these claims, they have not found evidence of misconduct by the protection officers at this time.
Previously, Andrew paid a £12 million settlement to Giuffre in 2022 but has consistently denied any wrongdoing. The allegations against him have sparked global media attention, especially following the increased scrutiny brought about by the release of Epstein’s files.
Broader Investigative Efforts
The ongoing inquiries are not limited to Prince Andrew. Various police departments are digging into claims regarding Epstein’s activities, as well as the actions of others associated with him.
- West Midlands Police are assessing the private flights through Birmingham airport tied to Epstein.
- Essex Police are investigating Epstein’s use of Stansted and other airports for potential trafficking.
- Bedfordshire Police are reviewing private flight records related to Luton airport.
- Thames Valley Police are looking into allegations connecting Andrew to Epstein’s solicitation of young women.
Surrey Police recently made a public appeal for information pertaining to a report from the FBI about abuse linked to alleged parties attended by Andrew and Maxwell during the 1990s.
Conclusion
As these investigations unfold, the National Police Chiefs’ Council has established a national coordination group to streamline efforts among the various police forces involved. They plan to work closely with the National Crime Agency to ensure that inquiries into the Epstein case are thorough and impartial.
