UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has praised the women who came forward with allegations against comedian Russell Brand, saying their courage could bring significant changes to the system supporting victims of sexual offences.
His remarks came as Brand faced sentencing after being found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault.
Speaking at a hospital in Hertfordshire, Burnham acknowledged that more needs to be done to help victims feel confident enough to approach the police.
He admitted that the necessary support is still not reaching survivors in the way it should.
The Prime Minister also announced that he had brought forward plans to establish dedicated rape and serious sexual offence teams in every police force. The target has now been moved from 2029 to the end of next year.
Referring to his experience as Greater Manchester mayor, Burnham said he would continue pushing for improvements. He also stressed that the courage shown by Brand’s victims could help bring wider changes, adding, “But there’s no complacency here. There’s a lot more that needs to change.”
Last week, Burnham had also pledged to examine how rape cases are handled in court, saying the process should not leave women feeling as though they are the ones being prosecuted.
