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Ed Miliband FINALLY says he ‘deeply regrets’ appearing on Russell Brand’s web show
Ed Miliband has said he “deeply regrets” appearing on Russell Brand’s online show before the 2015 general election, adding that he would not have taken part had he known about Brand’s crimes. The interview has drawn renewed criticism following Brand’s conviction, and prompted a political dispute over Miliband’s judgement.
Miliband recorded the interview at Brand’s flat for The Trews while seeking to reach younger voters. Brand was sentenced to 10 and a half years in prison for raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others between 2004 and 2009; police are also assessing information about further allegations. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticised Miliband’s association with Brand during Prime Minister’s Questions, while the government said the interview took place a long time ago.
In short
- Miliband says he deeply regrets appearing on Brand’s show.
- He says he would not have done the interview had he known of Brand’s crimes.
- Badenoch criticised Miliband’s judgement during Prime Minister’s Questions.
Explained simply
Ed Miliband is a Labour politician who led the party at the 2015 general election. During that campaign, he appeared on The Trews, an online show hosted by comedian Russell Brand, as politicians sought to reach younger voters through digital media.
Brand has since been convicted of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others, and sentenced to 10 and a half years in prison. The case has renewed scrutiny of public figures who appeared with him; separate allegations are also being assessed by police.