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In late 2018, Steve Bannon, formerly a top aide to Donald Trump, was in the UK preparing for a speech at the prestigious Oxford Union.

The event was interrupted by hundreds of protesters, and Bannon, who was due to travel that night, informed Jeffrey Epstein in an email: "Protesters delayed my talk don't think I can make the flight we are heading to heathrow".

Epstein replied: "That. Is a gulf air that leaves at 9:50 with a layover in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "You are an excellent helper".

These exchanges were released on Wednesday alongside over 20,000 documents from the estate of Epstein, the late financier convicted of sex crimes.

The release by the Congressional committee includes an iMessage chat where Bannon's identity is redacted. The BBC has been able to confirm his involvement by cross-referencing the dates, events, and locations referenced.

For example, Epstein discusses arranging a plane from the UK for the unnamed individual in the messages, and offers praise their "address at Oxford". Bannon participated in the News Xchange 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 was one of the president's key aides in the lead-up to the 2016 election and during the initial phase of his presidency, but stepped down from the White House in 2017.

He has acknowledged he was making a film about Epstein before his death and allegedly has around 15 hours of recordings. In a live taping of his show recently, he stated: "We're going to publish the series, the multi-part documentary, next year - early next year."

But the newly released documents suggest Bannon's connection with Epstein went further than being his biographer, with the convicted paedophile at times seeming to act like a aide.

A few days prior to the conversation in which Epstein appeared to have booked a charter jet for Bannon, Epstein said: "what's it like to have the most highly paid booking agent in history ".

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

Discussing a trip to "Abu Dhabi" in a separate text, Epstein told Bannon: "I will ensure you are well looked after."

British Affairs Discussed in Messages

The published communications also reveal Bannon and Epstein talking about 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, Johnson and Mogg."

Then, in what seems like a reference to Theresa May, the struggling British leader at the period, he continued: "The guys are attempting to proceed. May soon…"

Epstein suggested Bannon: "In my view staying as long as you can uk. Ideal- so others see the dedication of your follow-up."

Soon after, Epstein asked: "Can Theresa may survive". Bannon answered: "It seems unlikely BUT the people over here have no balls" and added "Johnson ; Michael Gove; Rees Mogg; Davis - someone has to step up".

May was finally toppled in 2019 after withstanding two votes of lack of support in December 2018.

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

The US House of Representatives will decide soon on whether the justice department should release all its records concerning its probe into Epstein, who died in jail in that year.

Interest in Epstein's associations with powerful figures was reignited this week after the release of over 20,000 documents from his estate.

A portion of those mentioned Trump, who has repeatedly rejected any wrongdoing. The president was a friend of Epstein's for years, but claims they parted ways in the 2000s, a couple of years prior to Epstein was first arrested.