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In late 2018, Steve Bannon, previously a top aide to Donald Trump, visited the UK preparing for a address at the prestigious Oxford Union.

The speech was disrupted by hundreds of demonstrators, and Bannon, scheduled to board a flight that night, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Activists slowed down speech I doubt I can catch the plane we r enroute to the airport".

Epstein replied: "That. Is a gulf air that leaves at 950 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "U r an excellent assistant".

These messages were published on this week alongside more than 20,000 pages from the records of Epstein, the deceased financier convicted of sex crimes.

The release by the Congressional committee contains an iMessage chat where Bannon's name is withheld. Media outlets has been able to confirm his involvement by matching the timeline, events, and locations mentioned.

For example, Epstein talks about chartering 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 14 November, and gave the speech at the Oxford Union 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 served as Trump's closest advisers in the lead-up to the 2016 election and during the initial phase of his first administration, but stepped down from the administration in August 2017.

He has acknowledged he was producing a documentary about Epstein prior to his passing and allegedly has approximately 15 hours of footage. In a recording of his podcast earlier this year, he said: "We plan to publish the film, the multi-part documentary, in the coming year - early next year."

But the recently disclosed documents indicate Bannon's connection with Epstein went further than being his biographer, with the convicted paedophile at times appearing to serve like a aide.

A short time before the exchange in which Epstein appeared to have arranged a private plane for Bannon, Epstein remarked: "how does it feel to have the most highly paid booking agent in history ".

Bannon expressed gratitude: "U r quite capable asst", to which Epstein replied "Massages. Excluded".

Discussing a trip to "Abu Dhabi" in a separate text, Epstein assured Bannon: "I'll make sure you're well looked after."

UK Politics Discussed in Exchanges

The published messages also reveal Bannon and Epstein discussing British political matters in 2018.

Earlier on the same day his address at the Oxford Union, Bannon messaged Epstein: "I've gotten pulled into the EU exit issue this day with Farage, Boris and Mogg."

Then, in what appears to be a reference to the UK prime minister, the struggling British leader at the period, he added: "The guys are trying to proceed. may today / tomorrow…"

Epstein advised Bannon: "I think staying as long as you can in the UK. Best-- so people get the dedication of your follow through."

Shortly after, Epstein asked: "Can Theresa may survive". Bannon replied: "It seems unlikely however the people over here have little courage" and added "Johnson ; Gove; Jacob Rees-Mogg; Davis - somebody has to take charge".

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

A spokesman for Reform UK informed the BBC: "Farage has not been in a gathering with Steve Bannon, Jacob Rees Mogg and Johnson." And there is no evidence such a meeting occurred.

The Congress will decide next week on whether the Department of Justice should release all its records concerning its investigation into Epstein, who died in prison in that year.

Interest in Epstein's associations with powerful figures was renewed recently after the publication of more than 20,000 pages from his estate.

A portion of those referenced Trump, who has repeatedly rejected any wrongdoing. The president was a friend of Epstein's for a long time, but says they fell out in the 2000s, a couple of years before Epstein was first arrested.