UK ministers to discuss age-of-consent rules after Russell Brand conviction

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden told Sky News that the government would probably consider a staggered age of consent, under which restrictions could depend on the age difference between a teenager and an older person.

“I think we probably will consider it, but I can’t give you a result of that at the moment,” he said.

In a separate BBC interview, McFadden said the question had been raised and would be discussed, but he could not say what the conclusion would be, the Press Association reported.

The debate follows the conviction of comedian Russell Brand, who was jailed earlier this month for rape and sexual assaults against four women. Mia Latter, who has waived her anonymity, has separately alleged that Brand raped her when she was 16. She has called for adults to be barred from sexual relationships with 16- and 17-year-olds. Sky News reports that Brand has previously denied all allegations against him.

The age of consent in the UK is 16, although there are restrictions on sexual relationships between 16- and 17-year-olds and adults in positions of trust. Campaigners have proposed different ways to strengthen protections, including limits based on the age gap between partners.