Russell Brand faces years behind bars after his trial, but the case has raised serious questions about how the court system treated the women he attacked. Britain's top cop, Sir Mark Rowley, said reported comments from the trial were "getting very close to victim blaming".
Trial comments spark concern
On Friday, Sir Mark Rowley, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, made the remarks about statements made during the proceedings. Brand's defence lawyer, Ian Winter KC, had said that none of the women had "resisted, screamed or even tried to leave".
Such comments play on long-standing myths about how rape survivors are expected to behave, according to the Victims Commissioner for England and Wales. Claire Waxman has argued that judges must have a legal obligation to dispel outdated and harmful assumptions during rape trials.
Calls for legal reform
Waxman's position is that allowing perpetrators and their legal teams to rely on discredited theories to secure an acquittal has no place in the modern justice system. The fact that for years so many women have not felt confident in coming forward should shame the country, she said.
Welfare reform balance
Separately, the government is grappling with welfare reforms, and there is a temptation to resort to performative cruelty. In the coming weeks, two big reviews will help set out what the government intends to do about getting young and disabled people into work.
Done well, it can be empowering and life-affirming, and it is right that Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden is looking at good practice in other countries. The Danish 'fleksjob' system - a state-funded scheme to give work opportunities - is a start.
Early winter weather
After the hottest summer on record, Brits now face snow and frost much earlier than usual. Experts warn sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) could cause disruption similar to the 'Beast from the East' in 2018. While this would normally happen at the height of winter, it could be weeks away, so preparation should start now.
