Government to consider changing age of consent after Brand case

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Nov, 03:13 · Archive

Ministers are considering a 'staggered' age of consent law following allegations against Russell Brand.

Ministers are considering a change to the age of consent following allegations of sexual abuse by Russell Brand. The proposals come after Mia Latter, 37, waived her anonymity to publicly claim she had relations with Brand when she was 16 and he was 30. Brand was sentenced to ten-and-a-half years in prison on Monday following convictions on one count of rape and three sexual assaults.

Under the government's reportedly proposed 'staggered' system, adults above a certain age would not be permitted to have sex with children aged 16 and 17, according to reports. The age of consent has been set at 16 since 1885. Deputy prime minister Louise Haigh said changing it would be 'a massive step' but that it 'deserves proper consideration and scrutiny'. She added: 'It is heartbreaking to hear Mia's story. We need to listen to Mia and other victims like her who have been through these experiences, because it's really important that as lawmakers their experience is at the heart of what we consider.'

The government is also considering banning the use of non-disclosure agreements to silence those who allege sexual abuse, especially against powerful people.

How it is being reported

• Minister says 'changing age of consent deserves proper consideration' after Brand allegationsThe government will consider changing the age of consent after a woman campaigning for a change in the law waived her right to anonymity to publicly claim she was raped by Russell Brand at 16.Sky News · 14 Nov, 23:47
• Government facing calls to stagger age of consent after Russell Brand scandalDeputy prime minister Louise Haigh has said a change in the age of consent would be a ‘massive step’The Independent · 14 Nov, 23:39

In this story: Russell Brand · Louise Haigh · Mia Latter · UK Government

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