Burnham: Bravery shown by Brand’s victims will ‘change the system’

The bravery shown by women who came forward to report Russell Brand will “change the system”, Andy Burnham said as he vowed to be “relentless” in providing more support for victims.

The prime minister spoke as Brand faces a lengthy sentence after being convicted of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault.

Last week, Mr Burnham said he would look at how rape cases are conducted in court after Russell Brand’s conviction, to ensure they do not leave women feeling like they are the ones on trial.

He also described Brand’s actions as “horrifying” and praised the bravery of the women who had the “courage to speak out” against the comedian.

His words came after Metropolitan Police chief Sir Mark Rowley said on Friday that some of what he had heard reported from Brand’s trial was “getting very close to victim blaming” and backed calls for judges to have to issue directions on rape myths and misconceptions to juries.

Speaking to Times Radio, Mr Burnham said: "I think we need to constantly look at the way rape trials are conducted to make sure that they do not leave the woman feeling like she is on trial in court, as has been the experience of people in the past.

“So I will look closely at what Sir Mark Rowley is saying. Always prepared to make changes.”

Asked whether that meant changes to the law, he said: “I wouldn't rule anything out, of course not... I will study what's happened here in great detail."

Following Brand’s guilty verdict, the Metropolitan Police revealed that more allegations against the former TV and radio host are being investigated.

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