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

The speech was interrupted by numerous protesters, and Bannon, scheduled to board a flight that evening, told Jeffrey Epstein in an message: "Activists slowed down my talk don't think I can make the plane we r enroute to the airport".

Epstein responded: "There. Is a Gulf Air that leaves at 950 with a stop in Bahrain". Bannon replied: "You are an amazing helper".

These messages were published on this week alongside more than 20,000 pages from the estate 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. The BBC managed to confirm his involvement by matching the dates, events, and places referenced.

For example, Epstein talks about chartering a jet from the UK for the redacted user in the chat, and offers praise their "address at Oxford". Bannon took part in the News Xchange conference on November 14, and gave the speech at the Oxford two days later.

Bannon, who is not accused of any wrongdoing, did not reply on the request for comment.

Epstein's Assurance to Bannon

Bannon was one of Trump's key aides in the run up to the presidential election and in the early days of his presidency, but stepped down from the White House in 2017.

He has acknowledged he was producing a film about Epstein before his passing and reportedly has approximately 15 hours of footage. In a recording of his show recently, he stated: "We plan to publish the series, the multi-part documentary, next year - early next year."

But the recently disclosed materials indicate Bannon's relationship with Epstein went further than documenting his life, with the disgraced financier at times appearing to serve like a aide.

A short time prior to the conversation in which Epstein appeared to have arranged a charter jet for Bannon, Epstein said: "how does it feel to have the highest-paid booking agent in the world ".

Bannon thanked him: "U r quite capable assistant", to which Epstein replied "Therapies. Excluded".

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

UK Politics Mentioned in Messages

The released messages also show Bannon and Epstein discussing British political matters in that year.

On the day of his address at the Oxford Union, Bannon texted Epstein: "I've gotten pulled into the Brexit thing this morning with Farage, Boris and Rees Mogg."

Then, in what seems like a allusion to the UK prime minister, the embattled British leader at the period, he added: "The guys are attempting to proceed. May soon…"

Epstein suggested Bannon: "I think remaining as long as you can in the UK. Ideal- so others see the dedication of your follow through."

Soon after, Epstein asked: "Can Theresa May remain in power". Bannon answered: "It seems unlikely BUT the guys over here have no balls" and noted "Johnson ; Michael Gove; Rees Mogg; David Davis - somebody has to step up".

Theresa May was finally removed in May 2019 after withstanding multiple attempts of no confidence in late 2018.

A representative for Reform UK informed the BBC: "Nigel Farage has never been in a gathering with Steve Bannon, Rees-Mogg and Johnson." And there is no evidence that encounter occurred.

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

Interest in Epstein's relationships with influential individuals was renewed recently after the publication of more than 20,000 documents from his estate.

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