UK government to consider changing age of consent after allegations against Russell Brand

The UK government has said it will consider calls to change the age of consent. The move follows a public claim by 37-year-old Mia Latter that comedian Russell Brand raped her when she was a 16-year-old schoolgirl. Brand is currently in prison for other offences.

In an interview with the Sunday Times, Latter said Brand orally raped her when he was 30. She wants a staggered age of consent introduced, which would make relationships between adults and 16- and 17-year-olds illegal. Under current UK law, adults of any age may legally have sex with people of those ages.

Louise Haigh, the de facto deputy prime minister, told the newspaper that Latter's story meant a change deserved consideration. She said it would be a major step but merited proper scrutiny. Haigh also said the government should look at banning non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in harassment and discrimination cases.

Allegations and investigation

Latter was previously referred to as Alice in reporting. She says she met Brand in central London at 16 and he later invited her to dinner. According to her, he continued to meet her after she told him her age. She alleges the rape took place near the end of their three-month relationship. Brand denied all allegations when they were first reported in 2023.

The Crown Prosecution Service decided not to include her case in Brand's trial. He was convicted of attacks against four of the six women who gave evidence and is serving 10.5 years for one rape and three sexual assaults. The Metropolitan Police opened an investigation in January 2026 into Latter's allegation, and it is ongoing.

The Met is also investigating allegations against comedian David Walliams, who denies wrongdoing.

Political support

Jess Brown-Fuller, the Liberal Democrat justice spokesperson, backs a review of a staggered age of consent. Equalities minister Bridget Phillipson praised Latter's courage.