Burnham urges review of rape trials after comments in Brand case

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said the government must ensure that victims in rape cases do not feel like they are on trial, BBC News reported. His comments came after Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley told the BBC that statements reported from the trial of actor and comedian Russell Brand came very close to victim blaming. [1][2]

The prime minister told Times Radio that the government needs to constantly review how rape trials are conducted to offer better support to alleged victims in court, according to BBC News. However, the BBC understands that the government has no immediate plans to change the law surrounding rape trials. [1]

The remarks follow the conviction of Russell Brand, who was found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault after a four-week trial. As FTMQ News reported earlier, Brand faced trial at Southwark Crown Court where multiple women detailed allegations of rape and sexual assault against him. Burnham previously praised the bravery of the victims, describing the actions of Brand as horrific. [1][5][6]