Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said the bravery of the women who came forward in the Russell Brand case will “change the system more broadly”, as the comedian awaits sentencing for rape and sexual assault.
Speaking at a hospital in Hertfordshire while the sentencing hearing was underway, Burnham paid tribute to the complainants, saying their courage would drive wider reform. He also committed his government to “making whatever improvements we can” to support victims.
Commitment to Faster Support Teams
Burnham said he had already decided to ensure every police force has rape and serious sexual offence teams by the end of next year, bringing the target forward from 2029. He referenced his previous work as mayor of Greater Manchester in this area.
“I don’t think you ever can do enough to get the right support in place for victims to give them the confidence to come forward, because we know that still isn’t there in the way that it should be,” he said.
“There is so much that needs to be done. We have to bring it forward. Obviously today, everybody will be thinking about the women who had the courage to come forward. Their bravery will, I believe, change the system more broadly, and we will be relentless in making whatever improvements we can.”
Response to Victim Blaming Concerns
Brand, 51, is due to be sentenced this afternoon after being found guilty last Thursday of raping a woman in 2009 and sexually assaulting female TV and radio staff between 2004 and 2009.
On Saturday, Burnham said he would “look closely” at remarks from Met police chief Sir Mark Rowley questioning the conduct of some in Brand’s trial. Brand’s defence barrister Ian Winter KC had told jurors that none of the complainants had “resisted, screamed or even tried to leave”.
Sir Mark said: “I think what I’ve heard reported heads towards – it’s getting very close to victim blaming, which is something we’ve thought very hard about in policing and make sure we don’t do.” He added: “It shouldn’t be possible for inaccurate statements to be made to a jury to suggest that because a rape victim didn’t behave in one way that somehow undermines their case.”
Potential Legal Changes
The Victims’ Commissioner has called for a legal duty on judges to explain rape myths and misconceptions in every relevant trial. Speaking on Times Radio, Burnham said the government would look at how to “make sure they do not leave the woman feeling like she is on trial in court”.
He said he was “always prepared to make changes”, adding: “We need to encourage more women to come forward to report rape, we need to get the conviction rate up.” Asked if that could mean a change in the law, the PM said: “I wouldn’t rule anything out… I will study what’s happened here in great detail.”
