🔗 Share this article Messages Uncover Jeffrey Epstein and former Trump strategist Ties Bannon was one of the former president's key advisers before stepping down from the administration in August 2017 In November 2018, Steve Bannon, previously Donald Trump's chief strategist, was in the UK to deliver a address at the prestigious Oxford Union. The speech was disrupted by numerous protesters, and Bannon, who was due to travel that night, told Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Protesters slowed down my talk don't think I can catch the flight we are heading to heathrow". Epstein replied: "There. Is a gulf air departing at 950 with a stop in Bahrain". Bannon answered: "You are an excellent helper". These messages were published on Wednesday alongside over 20,000 documents from the estate of Epstein, the late financier convicted of sex crimes. The disclosure by the Congressional committee contains an iMessage chat where Bannon's identity is withheld. The BBC has been able to establish his involvement by cross-referencing the dates, events, and locations referenced. For instance, Epstein talks about chartering a jet from the UK for the redacted user in the messages, and offers praise their "address at Oxford". Bannon participated in the News Xchange conference on November 14, and delivered the talk at the Oxford on November 16. Bannon, who faces no allegations of any misconduct, declined to comment on the request for comment. Epstein's Assurance to Bannon Bannon was one of Trump's closest aides in the run up to the presidential election and in the early days of his presidency, but stepped down from the White House in 2017. He has acknowledged he was making a film about Epstein prior to his death and allegedly has around 15 hours of recordings. In a recording of his podcast recently, he said: "We're going to publish the film, the five-part series, next year - early next year." But the newly released documents indicate Bannon's connection with Epstein extended than documenting his life, with the disgraced financier at times appearing to serve like a aide. A few days prior to the exchange in which Epstein seemed to booked a charter jet for Bannon, Epstein said: "how does it feel to have the most highly paid booking agent in the world ". Bannon thanked him: "U r quite capable asst", to which Epstein responded "Massages. Not Included". Discussing a visit to "Abu Dhabi" in a separate text, Epstein told Bannon: "I'll make sure you're taken care of." UK Politics Discussed in Exchanges The released messages also reveal Bannon and Epstein discussing UK politics in 2018. On the same day his address at the Oxford, Bannon messaged Epstein: "I became involved in the Brexit issue this day with Nigel, Boris and Mogg." Then, in what appears to be a reference to Theresa May, the embattled British leader at the period, he added: "The guys are attempting to proceed. may soon…" Epstein suggested Bannon: "I think staying as long as you can in the UK. Best-- so people see the dedication of your follow-up." Soon after, Epstein asked: "Can Theresa May remain in power". Bannon answered: "It seems unlikely BUT the guys over here have little courage" and noted "Johnson ; Michael Gove; Jacob Rees-Mogg; David Davis - somebody has to step up". May was finally removed in 2019 after surviving multiple attempts of lack of support in December 2018. A representative for the political party informed the BBC: "Farage has never been in a meeting with Steve Bannon, Rees-Mogg and Boris Johnson." And there is no evidence that encounter occurred. The Congress will decide next week on whether the Department of Justice should release all its files related to its probe into Epstein, who died in jail in that year. Attention in Epstein's relationships with powerful figures was reignited this week after the release of more than 20,000 documents from his estate. Some of those referenced Trump, who has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. The president was a acquaintance of Epstein's for a long time, but says they fell out in the 2000s, a couple of years prior to Epstein was first arrested.