Staggered age of consent to be discussed after abuse allegations

A potential change to the age of consent laws will be debated by government ministers, Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden has confirmed. The discussions come after a series of serious allegations of sexual misconduct were made against entertainers Russell Brand and David Walliams.

Mr McFadden told Sky News that the country has been "appalled by the abuse of power by powerful men". He indicated that the recent claims have prompted a fresh look at the laws governing relationships with significant age gaps. "I think what we’ve seen over the last week has certainly raised that question," he said. "There’ll be a number of issues to work through on it."

Allegations prompt review

One woman, Mia Latter, who was previously referred to pseudonymously, has waived her right to anonymity. Ms Latter, now 37, alleges she was mistreated by Russell Brand when she was 16 and he was 30. She has publicly called for a staggered age of consent, which would make relationships between adults and 16 and 17-year-olds illegal. Current UK law permits adults of any age to have consensual sex with 16 and 17-year-olds.

Ms Latter told The Sunday Times that it was "shocking" that discussions often focused on Brand's relationship with a 16-year-old, arguing that adults should not be allowed sexual relationships with individuals under 18. Russell Brand is currently serving a 10-and-a-half-year prison sentence for one count of rape and three sexual assaults against four women.

Police investigation into Walliams

Separately, the Metropolitan Police are investigating a series of "serious" sex offence allegations against David Walliams. These claims follow reporting by The Guardian and ITV News. One woman has described her alleged encounter with Mr Walliams when she was 15 as "sexual assault". David Walliams denies any wrongdoing.

Speaking on the BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme, Mr McFadden referred to calls for a staggered age of consent, stating: “I think it’s certainly a question that has been raised and will be discussed, can’t tell you what the conclusion of that would be, but the last week has certainly put that up in lights.” He added that the government is also looking at changing the nature of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) used to silence individuals.

Shadow work and pensions secretary Helen Whately commented on the idea, telling Sky News that it was an "interesting idea" and that society should "look again" at these issues. She noted that parents often question relationships where there is a significant age gap involving teenagers.