The Conservative Party has accused the Labour Party of raising false expectations regarding a potential public inquiry into Jeffrey Epstein’s alleged activities in the United Kingdom. The controversy emerged after Labour junior minister Alex Davies-Jones suggested in an interview that Andy Burnham, the Labour mayor of Greater Manchester, was considering a comprehensive investigation into Epstein’s operations.

Davies-Jones told the BBC that the government was reviewing “what is possible” in terms of launching an inquiry, and she indicated that the prime minister was taking the issue seriously, with plans to meet victims of Epstein’s abuse. She stated on the program Newsnight that Burnham was exploring a full-scale probe, and noted that the prime minister had assured victims of his commitment to addressing the matter.

Within hours of her statements, however, government officials clarified that a public inquiry was not actively being planned. In response, Tory deputy chairman Matt Vickers criticized Labour for making premature claims, accusing them of “freelancing on the airwaves” and emphasized the gravity of the situation. Vickers told a national newspaper that such serious issues could not be managed “on a whim” and implied Labour’s statements risked giving victims unwarranted hope.

The dispute highlights ongoing tensions over how to address allegations linked to Epstein’s network in the UK. Labour’s remarks raised anticipation for an official inquiry, but the government’s swift denial has tempered those expectations. No formal decision regarding an inquiry has been announced, and officials have so far refrained from confirming any concrete next steps.