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Pat McFadden says changes to law will be discussed after Brand allegations
BBC • • world
Key Points:
- The UK government is considering discussions on implementing a staggered age of consent following public calls for legal changes after the Russell Brand case, where a woman alleged rape at age 16 by the comedian.
- Mia Latter, one of six women who made allegations against Brand in 2023, advocates for making relationships between adults and 16- or 17-year-olds illegal due to power imbalances, while supporting consensual relationships among teenagers.
- Russell Brand was sentenced to 10.5 years in prison for rape and sexual assault involving women between 2004 and 2009, though some allegations were not part of his recent trial and he denied all accusations.
- The Metropolitan Police has opened an investigation into separate allegations against David Walliams involving alleged serious sexual offences, which are under active review alongside media reports.
- NSPCC and officials highlight the vulnerability of 16- and 17-year-olds to grooming, noting recent legal changes to protect young people from adults in positions of trust engaging in sexual relationships.
