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In November 2018, Steve Bannon, previously a top aide to Donald Trump, was in the UK to deliver a address at the Oxford Union.

The event was disrupted by hundreds of protesters, and Bannon, scheduled to travel that night, told Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Protesters delayed speech 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 replied: "U r an amazing helper".

These messages were published on this week together with over 20,000 pages from the records of Epstein, the late financier convicted of sex crimes.

The disclosure by the Congressional committee contains an iMessage chat where Bannon's name is redacted. The BBC managed to establish his identity by cross-referencing the dates, occurrences, and locations mentioned.

For instance, Epstein discusses arranging a jet from the UK for the redacted user in the chat, and offers praise their "Oxford speech". Bannon participated in the Edinburgh conference on 14 November, and gave the speech at the Oxford two days later.

Bannon, who faces no allegations of any misconduct, did not reply on the request for comment.

Epstein's Assurance to Bannon

Bannon was one of the president's closest advisers in the lead-up to the 2016 election and in the early days of his presidency, but stepped down from the White House in August 2017.

He has acknowledged he was producing a film about Epstein prior to his death and allegedly has approximately 15 hours of footage. In a recording of his show earlier this year, he stated: "We plan to release the film, the five-part series, in the coming year - at the start of next year."

But the newly released materials suggest Bannon's connection with Epstein extended than being his biographer, with the convicted paedophile occasionally seeming to act like a personal assistant.

A few days prior to the exchange in which Epstein appeared to have booked a charter jet for Bannon, Epstein remarked: "how does it feel to have the most highly paid booking agent in history ".

Bannon thanked him: "U r quite capable assistant", to which Epstein responded "Therapies. Not Included".

Discussing a visit to "AD" in another message, Epstein assured Bannon: "I'll make sure you are taken care of."

British Affairs Mentioned in Exchanges

The published communications also reveal Bannon and Epstein discussing UK politics in 2018.

Earlier on the day of his speech at the Oxford, Bannon texted Epstein: "I've gotten pulled into the EU exit issue this day with Farage, Johnson and Rees Mogg."

Then, in what seems like a reference to Theresa May, the struggling British leader at the time, he continued: "They are trying to proceed. may soon…"

Epstein advised Bannon: "I think staying as much as you can in the UK. Ideal- so people see the dedication of your follow-up."

Shortly after, Epstein asked: "Can Theresa may survive". Bannon answered: "I don't see how BUT the guys over here have no balls" and noted "Johnson ; Gove; Jacob Rees-Mogg; Davis - somebody has to take charge".

May was finally removed in May 2019 after withstanding two votes of no confidence in December 2018.

A representative for the political party informed the BBC: "Nigel Farage has never been in a gathering with Bannon, Rees-Mogg and Johnson." And there is no evidence such a meeting occurred.

The US House of Representatives will decide soon on whether the Department of Justice should make public all its files related to its investigation into Epstein, who passed away in prison in that year.

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

Some of those referenced the former president, who has repeatedly rejected any wrongdoing. The leader was a friend of Epstein's for a long time, but claims they parted ways in the early 2000s, a couple of years before Epstein was initially charged.