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

The speech was interrupted by numerous demonstrators, and Bannon, who was due to board a flight that evening, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Protesters slowed down my talk I doubt I can make the flight we are heading to heathrow".

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

These exchanges were published on this week alongside over 20,000 pages from the records of Epstein, the deceased convicted sex offender.

The release by the House oversight committee contains an iMessage chat where Bannon's identity is withheld. The BBC managed to establish his involvement by matching the timeline, events, and locations mentioned.

For instance, Epstein discusses chartering a plane from the UK for the redacted user in the messages, and commends 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 inquiry.

'I'll make sure you're well looked after'

Bannon served as Trump's key aides in the run 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 death and reportedly has around 15 hours of footage. In a recording of his podcast recently, he said: "We're going to publish the film, the multi-part documentary, next year - early next year."

But the newly released materials suggest Bannon's connection with Epstein went further than documenting his life, with the disgraced financier occasionally appearing to serve like a aide.

A few days prior to the exchange in which Epstein appeared to have arranged a private plane for Bannon, Epstein said: "what's it like to have the most highly paid travel agent in history ".

Bannon expressed gratitude: "U r quite capable asst", to which Epstein replied "Massages. Not Included".

Discussing a visit to "AD" in a separate text, Epstein assured Bannon: "I'll make sure you're taken care of."

British Affairs Mentioned in Exchanges

The published communications also show Bannon and Epstein discussing British political matters in 2018.

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

Then, in what appears to be a reference to the UK prime minister, the embattled British leader at the time, he continued: "They are trying to proceed. May today / tomorrow…"

Epstein advised Bannon: "In my view staying as long as you can uk. Best-- so people get the commitment of your follow through."

Soon after, Epstein inquired: "Will Theresa may remain in power". Bannon answered: "It seems unlikely however the people here have little courage" and noted "Boris ; Gove; Rees Mogg; Davis - someone has to take charge".

May was eventually toppled in 2019 after surviving multiple attempts of lack of support in December 2018.

A spokesman for Reform UK told media: "Farage has never been in a gathering with Steve Bannon, Rees-Mogg and Boris Johnson." And there is nothing to suggest that encounter took place.

The Congress will decide soon on whether the justice department should make public all its records concerning its investigation into Epstein, who passed away in prison in that year.

Attention in Epstein's relationships with powerful figures was reignited this week after the publication of more than 20,000 pages from his archives.

Some of those mentioned the former president, who has repeatedly denied any impropriety. The president was a friend of Epstein's for years, but says they fell out in the 2000s, two years prior to Epstein was first arrested.