On Air Now

Darren Lethem

6:00pm - 10:00pm

  • 01723 336444

Former victims minister urges PM to meet Epstein survivors after latest Mandelson files release

Former victims minister Alex Davies-Jones has urged Sir Keir Starmer to meet survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's abuse, warning they risk being forgotten as MPs debate the latest files relating to Peter Mandelson.

Ms Davies-Jones says politicians have spent days discussing powerful men, while survivors risk being an "afterthought" and "the PM needs to listen and act".

She says the prime minister's approach to survivors was "one of many factors" that led to her resignation as victims minister.

The prime minister has previously apologised to Jeffrey Epstein's victims for having "believed Mandelson's lies and appointed him".

Asked whether the prime minister should meet survivors, Ms Davies-Jones gave a clear answer. "Yes," she said. "I think there is a strong case for the prime minister sitting down with survivors and listening directly to their experiences".

When asked why she thinks the prime minister hasn't met victims she said: "That's for him to say". She added that his pledge to halve levels of violence against women and girls in a decade "doesn't happen without action".

"If you're serious about putting victims at the heart of the response, then listening to them has to be more than a slogan," she said.

Her comments come after an Epstein survivor told Sky News they felt ignored by political leaders despite the case returning to the headlines.

Ms Davies Jones is planning to intervene in the debate on the files relating to Peter Mandelson on Wednesday to "ensure that the victims and survivors are heard and not forgotten".

A government spokesperson said "Our thoughts remain with the victims of Epstein, who have lived with unimaginable trauma, and it is crucial that accountability is delivered".

They added: "The Epstein scandal has exposed a culture that didn't value the lives of women. That is why government is deploying the full power of the state to halve violence against women and girls within a decade."

Ms Davies-Jones' intervention comes as the prime minister is expected to meet alleged victims of abuse by Mohamed Al Fayed.

Number 10 was contacted for comment.

Sky News

(c) Sky News 2026: Former victims minister urges PM to meet Epstein survivors after latest Mandelson files releas

Want to See More from This is the Coast?

Click here to set This is the Coast as a preferred source on Google search.

Love living on the Yorkshire Coast? So do we.

This is the Coast is 100% locally owned and operated. We don’t rely on public funding or government grants—we rely on our community.

Producing trusted, fact-checked local news takes time and resources. If you value having a dedicated team of professional journalists fighting for our region, please consider supporting us.

Help keep the Yorkshire Coast informed for the price of a coffee a month.

Support Local Journalism Today

More from Video

Follow Us

Get Our Apps

Our Apps are now available for iOS, Android and Smart Speakers.

  • Available on the App Store
  • Available on Google Play
  • Just ask Amazon Alexa
  • Available on Roku

Today's Weather

  • Scarborough

    Heavy rain shower

    High: 19°C | Low: 11°C

  • Filey

    Heavy rain shower

    High: 18°C | Low: 11°C

  • Whitby

    Heavy rain shower

    High: 18°C | Low: 11°C

  • Bridlington

    Heavy rain shower

    High: 18°C | Low: 11°C

  • Hornsea

    Heavy rain shower

    High: 17°C | Low: 11°C

  • Driffield

    Heavy rain shower

    High: 18°C | Low: 11°C

News