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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 interrupted by numerous protesters, and Bannon, who was due to travel that night, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Protesters slowed down speech don't think I can make the plane we r enroute to heathrow".

Epstein responded: "That. Is a gulf air departing at 950 with a stop in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "U r an amazing assistant".

These exchanges were published on Wednesday alongside 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 withheld. The BBC managed to establish his involvement by matching the timeline, events, and places mentioned.

For example, Epstein discusses arranging a plane from Scotland 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 on November 16.

Bannon, who faces no allegations 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 lead-up to the 2016 election and during the initial phase 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 death and reportedly has around 15 hours of recordings. In a live taping of his show recently, he said: "We plan to publish the film, the multi-part documentary, in the coming year - at the start of next year."

But the newly released 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 few days prior to the conversation in which Epstein seemed to booked a private plane for Bannon, Epstein remarked: "how does it feel to have the highest-paid travel agent in the world ".

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

Discussing a trip to "Abu Dhabi" in another message, Epstein assured Bannon: "I will ensure you're taken care of."

British Affairs Discussed in Exchanges

The released messages also show Bannon and Epstein talking about British political matters in 2018.

Earlier on the day of his address at the Oxford, Bannon texted Epstein: "I became involved in the EU exit thing this day with Nigel, Boris and Mogg."

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

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

Shortly after, Epstein asked: "Will Theresa May survive". Bannon replied: "It seems unlikely BUT the people over here have no balls" and noted "Johnson ; Gove; Rees Mogg; Davis - someone has to take charge".

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

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

The Congress will vote soon on whether the Department of Justice should release all its files related to its probe into Epstein, who passed away in jail in 2019.

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

A portion of those mentioned Trump, who has repeatedly denied any impropriety. The leader was a friend of Epstein's for years, but says they fell out in the early 2000s, a couple of years prior to Epstein was initially charged.