Louise Haigh Says UK Will Weigh Age of Consent Change

"I think we all sort of agree that … adults shouldn't be allowed to have sexual relationships with children, with somebody under the age of 18," Latter said. "That really doesn't seem like a gigantic leap to take."

She said she is struck by how public discussion of Brand keeps returning to the relationship with a 16-year-old. "That's not the most heinous bit," she said.

Haigh's response

Haigh called Latter's account a "heart-breaking story". "We need to listen to Mia and other victims like her," she said. She added that their experience should be "at the heart of what we consider" as lawmakers.

"I can absolutely understand why she is calling for it," Haigh said of the proposed change.

Support may extend beyond Labour. It is believed MPs from other parties could back a bill to change the age of consent laws. Jess Brown-Fuller, the Liberal Democrat justice spokesperson, has come out in favor of reviewing them.

The Brand case

Latter says she first met Brand in Leicester Square, central London, at 16, while on her way home from a shopping trip. He took her number and later messaged to ask whether she wanted to go for dinner. She says he still asked to meet after she told him her age.

She alleges the assault happened toward the end of their three-month relationship. Brand denied all of her allegations when they were first reported in 2023.

Latter spoke to police after a documentary on the allegations. The Crown Prosecution Service decided not to include her case in Brand's trial at Southwark Crown Court.

Brand was convicted of attacks against four of the six women who gave evidence against him. He is serving a 10-and-a-half-year prison term for one count of rape and three sexual assaults.

NDAs and the Walliams allegations

Haigh also pointed to allegations against comedian David Walliams. Earlier this week it was announced that a series of "serious" sex offence allegations against him are being probed by the Metropolitan police. One woman described her alleged encounter with Walliams when she was 15 as "sexual assault". Walliams denies any wrongdoing.

One of his accusers was asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement, known as an NDA. Haigh said there is "a very strong case" for banning NDAs in all circumstances where they relate to harassment or discrimination.

She noted that teenagers who were fans of Walliams would not come under the current consultation.