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In late 2018, Steve Bannon, previously Donald Trump's chief strategist, visited the UK preparing for a speech at the prestigious Oxford Union.

The event was disrupted by numerous demonstrators, and Bannon, who was due to board a flight that night, told Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Protesters delayed my talk don't think I can catch the flight we r enroute to heathrow".

Epstein responded: "There. Is a Gulf Air that leaves at 9:50 with a stop in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "You are an amazing helper".

These messages were released on this week together with more than 20,000 pages from the records of Epstein, the late convicted sex offender.

The disclosure by the Congressional committee includes an iMessage chat where Bannon's identity is withheld. The BBC managed to establish his involvement by cross-referencing the dates, events, and places referenced.

For instance, Epstein discusses chartering a jet from Scotland for the unnamed individual in the chat, and commends their "Oxford speech". Bannon took part in the News Xchange conference on 14 November, and delivered the speech at the Oxford Union two days later.

Bannon, who is not accused of any misconduct, declined to comment on the inquiry.

Epstein's Assurance to Bannon

Bannon served as Trump's key aides in the lead-up to the presidential election and during the initial phase of his first administration, but stepped down from the administration in 2017.

He has admitted he was making a documentary 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 release the film, the five-part series, next year - at the start of next year."

But the recently disclosed materials indicate Bannon's connection with Epstein extended than being his biographer, with the convicted paedophile at times appearing to serve like a personal assistant.

A short time prior to the exchange in which Epstein seemed to booked a private plane for Bannon, Epstein said: "how does it feel to have the highest-paid travel agent in history ".

Bannon thanked him: "U r pretty good assistant", to which Epstein replied "Therapies. Excluded".

Discussing a trip to "AD" in another message, Epstein told Bannon: "I'll make sure you are well looked after."

British Affairs Discussed in Messages

The released communications also reveal Bannon and Epstein talking about UK politics in that year.

Earlier on the day of his speech at the Oxford Union, Bannon messaged Epstein: "I've gotten pulled into the Brexit thing this day with Nigel, Boris and Mogg."

Then, in what appears to be a allusion to Theresa May, the struggling British leader at the time, he added: "They are trying to proceed. may today / tomorrow…"

Epstein suggested Bannon: "In my view staying as much as you can uk. Ideal- so people get the dedication of your follow through."

Soon 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 ; Gove; Rees Mogg; David Davis - someone has to step up".

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

A representative for Reform UK informed the BBC: "Nigel Farage has never been in a meeting with Bannon, Rees-Mogg and Boris Johnson." And there is nothing to suggest that encounter occurred.

The Congress will vote soon on whether the Department of Justice should release all its records related to its investigation into Epstein, who died in jail in 2019.

Attention in Epstein's relationships with influential individuals was renewed this week after the publication of over 20,000 pages from his estate.

Some of those mentioned the former president, who has repeatedly rejected any wrongdoing. The president was a friend of Epstein's for years, but says they parted ways in the 2000s, a couple of years prior to Epstein was first arrested.