Labour deputy leader calls cross‑examination of Russell Brand victims depressing

Labour’s deputy leader Lucy Powell said the cross‑examination of Russell Brand’s victims during his rape and sexual‑assault trial was “depressing”. She added that she had believed the courts had “long gone past that sort of culture”. Powell, now education secretary, also expressed regret over the 2015 meeting that former party leader Ed Miliband arranged with Brand, a meeting she helped set up while serving as Labour’s campaign chief. The trial resulted in Brand being sentenced to more than 10 years in prison.

Powell’s comments highlight concerns about the treatment of victims in high‑profile cases and reflect a broader political reflection on past associations with the comedian.

Why it matters

The remarks raise questions about courtroom practices in sexual‑assault cases and signal political accountability for previous links to the convicted figure.

Key details

Location

United Kingdom · Europe

Reported by

The Guardian

First reported

10 Nov 2026, 15:58 IST

Key names

Labour, Lucy Powell, Russell Brand, Ed Miliband

Section

Politics

Sources

This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:

• The GuardianBrand barrister’s cross-examination of victims shocking and depressing, says Labour deputy 10 Nov, 15:58

Read the full story at The Guardian ↗

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