# Andy Burnham to ‘look closely’ at reforming rape trials to encourage more women to come forward

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/andy-burnham-to-look-closely-at-reforming-rape-trials-to-encourage-more-women-to-come-forward/
- Published: 2026-11-07T01:46:52+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-07T03:36:14+00:00
- Original publisher: GB News (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.gbnews.com/politics/andy-burnham-reforming-rape-trials-russel-brand
- Topics: Government, Politics, World

## Key points

- Burnham will examine changes to rape trials.
- Calls grow for jury guidance on rape myths.
- The aim is to encourage reporting and improve convictions.

## Summary

Andy Burnham said he would closely examine proposals to reform rape trials, aiming to encourage more women to report offences and improve conviction rates. The discussion follows Russell Brand’s conviction and renewed calls to address courtroom assumptions that can make complainants feel they are on trial.

Burnham said he would study comments by Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley and would not rule out legal changes. Victims Commissioner Claire Waxman has called for judges to warn juries about rape myths, including expectations that victims must scream, physically resist or report an offence immediately. Rowley said people can react in very different ways to sexual assault; Burnham acknowledged that conviction rates have improved but said more support for victims is needed.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.