What's happened
British authorities are reviewing two decades of Ministry of Defence records to determine if Jeffrey Epstein's private jet landed at RAF bases, amid ongoing inquiries into links between Epstein and UK figures, including Prince Andrew. The investigation follows recent arrests and calls for transparency.
What's behind the headline?
The UK investigation into Epstein's flights highlights the persistent influence of Epstein's scandal on British political and military circles. The ordered review of military flight logs aims to uncover any potential complicity or oversight, especially given the use of RAF bases for private jets. The focus on bases like Marham, a frontline military installation, raises questions about security protocols and the extent of military involvement. The recent arrests of Prince Andrew and Mandelson, along with the release of sensitive documents, suggest a possible effort to address past lapses or concealment. This inquiry could lead to further revelations about the UK's role or negligence in Epstein's activities, potentially impacting high-profile figures and government trust. The timing indicates a renewed push for transparency, possibly driven by political pressure and public demand for accountability. The outcome will likely influence ongoing debates about state oversight and the handling of elite misconduct, with implications for future military and political accountability.
What the papers say
The articles from Reuters, Al Jazeera, The Independent, and Sky News collectively reveal a coordinated effort by UK authorities to investigate Epstein's connections to military bases and high-profile figures. Reuters reports that the Ministry of Defence is reviewing flight records following recent arrests, including Prince Andrew and Peter Mandelson, and the Defence Secretary's directive to 'leave no stone unturned.' Al Jazeera emphasizes the extensive scope of the investigation, with Gordon Brown urging police to probe Epstein's use of taxpayer-funded jets and RAF bases, especially flights linked to Prince Andrew. The Independent details the timeline of arrests and the ongoing review of two decades of MoD records, highlighting the political and security implications. Sky News underscores the military's role, noting that private jets land at RAF bases with prior approval, and that emails and flight logs are being scrutinized for any links to Epstein. The collective reporting underscores a significant, multi-layered inquiry into possible state complicity and the ongoing fallout from Epstein's scandal in Britain.
How we got here
The investigation stems from allegations that Epstein's private jet may have used UK military bases, including RAF Northolt and Marham, over the past 20 years. This inquiry was prompted by recent disclosures and high-profile arrests of individuals linked to Epstein, including Prince Andrew and Peter Mandelson, amid broader concerns about possible state complicity or oversight.
Go deeper
More on these topics
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Jeffrey Edward Epstein was an American financier and convicted sex offender. He began his professional life as a teacher but then switched to the banking and finance sector in various roles, working at Bear Stearns before forming his own firm.
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John Healey is a British Labour Party politician serving as Member of Parliament for Wentworth and Dearne, formerly Wentworth, since 1997 and Shadow Secretary of State for Defence since 2020.
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Prince Andrew, Duke of York, KG, GCVO, CD, ADC is a member of the British royal family.
He is the third child and second son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
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Peter Benjamin Mandelson, Baron Mandelson PC is a British Labour politician, president of international think tank Policy Network, honorary president of the Great Britain–China Centre, and chairman of strategic advisory firm Global Counsel.
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James Gordon Brown HonFRSE is a British politician who was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Labour Party from 2007 to 2010. He served as Chancellor of the Exchequer from 1997 to 2007.
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RAF Northolt is a Royal Air Force station in South Ruislip, 2 nautical miles from Uxbridge in the London Borough of Hillingdon, western Greater London, England, approximately 6 mi north of London Heathrow Airport.
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RAF Marham is a Royal Air Force station and military airbase near the village of Marham in the English county of Norfolk, East Anglia.
It is home to No. 138 Expeditionary Air Wing and, as such, is one of the RAF's "Main Operating Bases". Since 6 June 2018