UK Government Considers Raising Age of Consent After Brand Allegations

The UK government is considering changes to the age of consent following allegations from Mia Latter, who waived her anonymity to claim she was raped by comedian Russell Brand when she was 16 and he was 30. Latter is campaigning for a staggered age of consent that would criminalize sexual relationships between adults and 16- or 17-year-olds.

Louise Haigh, the de facto deputy prime minister, stated that the proposal deserves proper consideration and scrutiny. Haigh also suggested banning non-disclosure agreements in cases of alleged sexual assault and harassment, citing separate Metropolitan Police probes into allegations against comedian David Walliams.

Russell Brand is currently serving a 10.5-year prison term for rape and sexual assaults against other women, though the Crown Prosecution Service did not include Latter's case in his trial. While the Metropolitan Police confirmed their investigation into Latter's allegation remains ongoing, Latter has reportedly decided not to continue with the criminal process to focus on her campaign.