UK Government Considers Age of Consent Review After Allegations Against Russell Brand

The UK government is considering calls to change the age of consent following a public statement by a woman who waived her anonymity to allege she was raped by Russell Brand when she was a 16-year-old schoolgirl. Mia Latter, who is now 37, stated that she was orally raped by the jailed comedian when she was a teenager and he was 30 years old.

Law Change Debate

In an interview with the Sunday Times, Latter called for a staggered age of consent that would make relationships between adults and teenagers aged 16 and 17 illegal. Under current UK law, adults of any age can legally have sex with 16 and 17-year-olds. Louise Haigh, the de facto deputy prime minister, stated that Latter's story means a law change deserves consideration and scrutiny, though she noted it would be a massive step. Brand has denied all allegations made against him by Latter when they were first reported in 2023 by the Times. He is currently serving a 10-and-a-half-year prison term for one count of rape and three sexual assaults against other women. Latter spoke to the police following a documentary, but her case was not included in his trial at Southwark Crown Court, and her allegation reported to the Metropolitan Police remains under ongoing investigation.

NDAs and Further Allegations

Haigh also addressed recent news that allegations against comedian David Walliams are being probed by the Metropolitan Police following an investigation by the Guardian and ITV News. One woman described an alleged encounter with Walliams when she was 15 as sexual assault. In light of reports that one of Walliams's accusers was asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement, Haigh stated the government should look at banning such agreements in all cases of alleged sexual harassment or discrimination. MPs outside the Labour Party, including Liberal Democrat justice spokesperson Jess Brown-Fuller, have expressed support for reviewing the age of consent laws and recognising power imbalances between older men and teenage girls. Latter's decision to come forward was also praised by Bridget Phillipson, the minister for women and equalities.

Context

The age of consent is the legal age at which a person is considered old enough to consent to sexual activity. Discussions around reforming these laws often involve balancing personal freedoms with the protection of minors, particularly regarding power dynamics between adults and older adolescents.