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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 interrupted by numerous demonstrators, and Bannon, scheduled to board a flight that night, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Activists slowed down my talk I doubt I can catch the plane we r enroute to the airport".

Epstein responded: "That. Is a Gulf Air departing at 950 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "You are an excellent helper".

These messages were published on this week alongside over 20,000 pages from the estate of Epstein, the late convicted sex offender.

The release by the House oversight committee contains an text conversation where Bannon's name is withheld. The BBC managed to confirm his involvement by cross-referencing the timeline, events, and places mentioned.

For example, Epstein discusses chartering a plane from the UK for the redacted user in the messages, and commends their "address at Oxford". Bannon took part in the Edinburgh conference on 14 November, and delivered the talk 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 was one of the president's closest advisers in the run up to the presidential election and in the early days of his first administration, but resigned from the administration in August 2017.

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

But the newly released documents suggest Bannon's relationship with Epstein extended than documenting his life, with the convicted paedophile at times appearing to serve like a aide.

A short time before the exchange in which Epstein seemed to arranged a charter jet for Bannon, Epstein remarked: "how does it feel to have the highest-paid booking agent in history ".

Bannon thanked him: "You are pretty good assistant", to which Epstein responded "Massages. Not Included".

Discussing a trip to "Abu Dhabi" in another message, Epstein assured Bannon: "I will ensure you are well looked after."

British Affairs Discussed in Messages

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

On the day of his speech at the Oxford, Bannon messaged Epstein: "I've gotten pulled into the EU exit issue this day with Nigel, Johnson and Mogg."

Then, in what seems like a reference to the UK prime minister, the embattled UK prime minister at the period, he continued: "They are attempting to proceed. may soon…"

Epstein advised Bannon: "In my view staying as much as you can in the UK. Ideal- so others get the dedication of your follow-up."

Soon after, Epstein inquired: "Will Theresa may remain in power". Bannon replied: "I don't see how however the people here have little courage" and added "Boris ; Michael Gove; Rees Mogg; Davis - somebody has to take charge".

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

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

The US House of Representatives will decide next week on whether the Department of Justice should make public all its files concerning its investigation into Epstein, who died in prison in 2019.

Attention in Epstein's relationships with powerful figures was renewed recently after the release of more than 20,000 documents from his estate.

Some of those mentioned Trump, who has repeatedly rejected any wrongdoing. The president was a friend of Epstein's for a long time, but claims they fell out in the early 2000s, a couple of years prior to Epstein was first arrested.