UK government considers staggered age of consent after sexual assault allegations

The United Kingdom government is considering a staggered age of consent following allegations of oral rape made by Mia Latter against Russell Brand. The proposal aims to make sexual relationships between adults and 16 or 17-year-olds illegal under current law.

Mia Latter, 37, waived her right to anonymity to allege she was orally raped by Russell Brand when she was 16 and he was 30. The complainant stated that adults should not be allowed to have sexual relationships with anyone under 18. Under current UK law, adults are legally permitted to have sexual relations with 16 and 17-year-olds.

Legal review and government response

Louise Haigh, the de facto deputy prime minister and Chancellor for the Duchy of Lancaster, said the proposed law change deserves consideration and scrutiny. While describing the proposal as a massive step, the minister indicated that the legislative change requires careful examination.

The current legal age of consent in the United Kingdom was set at 16 in 1885 via the Criminal Law Amendment Act. The push for a staggered age of consent would fundamentally alter this long-standing legal framework. Mia Latter alleged that Russell Brand continued to seek her out for meetings after she had disclosed her age to him while he was working at MTV.

Recent convictions and ongoing investigations

Russell Brand was sentenced to 10.5 years in prison on November 10, 2026, following convictions for one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. The sentencing followed a trial at Southwark Crown Court.

The Crown Prosecution Service did not include the case of Mia Latter in the trial of Russell Brand. According to reports from the Journal, the Crown Prosecution Service decided not to include the case because they did not want it to become "the Alice show." Mia Latter had previously been referred to by the pseudonym "Alice" in reports by The Sunday Times, The Times, and Channel 4's Dispatches.

The Metropolitan Police stated that the investigation into the alleged rape remains ongoing despite the decision by Mia Latter not to continue the criminal process. While the criminal trial has concluded with the sentencing of Russell Brand, the police investigation into the specific allegations involving Latter continues.

Proposed legislative changes

In addition to the age of consent debate, Louise Haigh expressed interest in banning the use of non-disclosure agreements to silence sexual abuse allegations. This move would target legal mechanisms that prevent survivors from speaking publicly about their experiences.

The allegations made by Mia Latter have brought renewed focus to the legal protections afforded to minors in the United Kingdom. The current legal structure allows for sexual relations with 16 and 17-year-olds, a standard that has remained since the late 19th century. The government's consideration of a staggered age of consent would represent a significant shift in the legal status of teenagers in the country.

Glossary

• age of consent — The current legal age of consent in the United Kingdom was set at 16 in 1885 via the Criminal Law Amendment Act. A proposed staggered age of consent would fundamentally alter this long-standing legal framework.
• Southwark Crown Court — A court where a trial was held resulting in a sentencing. It is a venue for legal proceedings and trials.
• Crown Prosecution Service — An organization that decides whether to include specific cases in a trial. It is involved in the legal process of charging individuals with crimes.