Starmer Emphasizes Rule of Law as Nine UK Forces Review Epstein Files

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has asserted that “nobody is above the law” following confirmation that nine separate police forces across the United Kingdom are now investigating allegations stemming from the release of Jeffrey Epstein’s files. The National Crime Agency (NCA) has announced it is supporting these forces in their inquiries, specifically after fresh allegations emerged regarding the conduct of royal protection officers assigned to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

Speaking to the BBC, the Prime Minister declined to comment on whether the former prince should volunteer to assist authorities, citing operational independence, but underscored the principle of legal equality. “One of the core principles in our system is that everybody is equal under the law and nobody is above the law,” Starmer stated. He reiterated his position that individuals with relevant information should cooperate with the appropriate investigative bodies, whether in the UK or the US.

Police Scotland became the ninth force to assess information from the US Department of Justice’s release of documents related to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The force is currently appealing for information regarding Epstein’s use of Edinburgh Airport. Concurrently, the Metropolitan Police has confirmed it will examine claims that close protection officers turned a “blind eye” to activities during visits to Epstein’s private island, Little Saint James. While the Met noted that no wrongdoing by officers has been identified at this time, the scope of the review has widened significantly compared to 2015, when the force declined a full inquiry into trafficking allegations focused overseas.

Multiple regional forces have initiated specific reviews based on the file contents. West Midlands Police is assessing flight logs for private jets passing through Birmingham Airport between the early 1990s and 2018. Essex Police and Bedfordshire Police are conducting similar reviews regarding Stansted and Luton airports, respectively. Surrey Police has issued a public appeal regarding a redacted report alleging historical human trafficking and sexual assault in Virginia Water between 1994 and 1996. Additionally, Thames Valley Police are examining allegations of a sexual encounter at the Royal Lodge in Windsor in 2010.

The inquiries also touch upon political figures, with Wiltshire Police reportedly assisting the Met’s investigation into allegations involving Lord Mandelson, which he denies. The National Police Chiefs’ Council has established a national coordination group, supported by the NCA, to manage the complex cross-jurisdictional nature of the emerging evidence. Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied all allegations of wrongdoing.

Investigative Scope & Judicial Implications

The simultaneous engagement of nine police forces and the National Crime Agency signals a significant escalation in the scrutiny of the Epstein documents within the UK jurisdiction. Unlike previous disjointed assessments, the formation of a national coordination group indicates that law enforcement is treating the dispersed allegations as a systemic matter requiring centralized intelligence support. This structural shift moves the issue from isolated regional inquiries to a broader examination of potential trafficking networks operating through British infrastructure, such as regional airports and private estates. The involvement of the NCA serves to bridge the gap between domestic police work and the international evidence provided by US authorities.

It is important to note that all individuals mentioned in connection with these investigations are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.