Emails Highlight Jeffrey Epstein and Steve Bannon Connection

In November 2018, Steve Bannon, formerly Donald Trump's chief strategist, was in the UK to deliver a speech at the Oxford Union.

The speech was interrupted by hundreds of demonstrators, and Bannon, who was due to travel that night, told Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Protesters delayed my talk don't think I can make the plane we are heading to the airport".

Epstein replied: "That. Is a Gulf Air that leaves at 9:50 with a stop in Bahrain". Bannon answered: "You are an amazing assistant".

These messages were published on Wednesday together with more than 20,000 pages from the records of Epstein, the late financier convicted of sex crimes.

The disclosure by the Congressional committee contains an text conversation where Bannon's identity is redacted. The BBC managed to establish his identity by cross-referencing the timeline, events, and locations referenced.

For instance, Epstein discusses arranging a jet from the UK for the unnamed individual in the chat, and commends their "address at Oxford". Bannon took part in the Edinburgh conference on November 14, and gave the talk at the Oxford Union on November 16.

Bannon, who is not accused of any misconduct, did not reply on the request for comment.

Epstein's Assurance to Bannon

Bannon was one of Trump's key aides in the lead-up to the 2016 election and during the initial phase of his first administration, but stepped down from the White House in August 2017.

He has acknowledged he was producing a documentary about Epstein before his passing and reportedly has around 15 hours of footage. In a recording of his show earlier this year, he said: "We're going to release the film, the five-part series, next year - early next year."

But the recently disclosed documents indicate Bannon's relationship with Epstein went further than being his biographer, with the convicted paedophile occasionally seeming to act like a aide.

A short time before the exchange in which Epstein seemed to booked a charter jet for Bannon, Epstein said: "what's it like to have the most highly paid travel agent in history ".

Bannon expressed gratitude: "You are quite capable assistant", to which Epstein replied "Therapies. Excluded".

Discussing a trip to "Abu Dhabi" in a separate text, Epstein assured Bannon: "I will ensure you're taken care of."

British Affairs Mentioned in Exchanges

The released communications also reveal Bannon and Epstein talking about British political matters in that year.

On the same day his speech at the Oxford, Bannon messaged Epstein: "I've gotten pulled into the Brexit thing this day with Farage, Boris and Rees Mogg."

Then, in what appears to be a reference to Theresa May, the embattled British leader at the period, he continued: "They are trying to move on. may soon…"

Epstein suggested Bannon: "I think remaining as much as you can in the UK. Best-- so others see the dedication of your follow-up."

Shortly after, Epstein inquired: "Will Theresa may remain in power". Bannon replied: "I don't see how BUT the people over here have no balls" and noted "Boris ; Michael Gove; Rees Mogg; Davis - somebody has to step up".

May was eventually removed in 2019 after surviving two votes of lack of support in December 2018.

A representative for Reform UK informed media: "Farage has not been in a meeting with Steve Bannon, Jacob Rees Mogg and Johnson." And there is no evidence that encounter took place.

The Congress will decide soon on whether the justice department should make public all its records related to its probe into Epstein, who died in jail in that year.

Attention in Epstein's associations with powerful figures was renewed this week after the release of more than 20,000 documents from his archives.

A portion of those referenced Trump, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing. The president was a acquaintance of Epstein's for years, but claims they parted ways in the 2000s, two years prior to Epstein was initially charged.