Ministers weigh broader NDA curbs after Walliams allegations

Ministers are considering fast changes to restrict how non-disclosure agreements can be used to conceal harassment or discrimination, following allegations about David Walliams and reports that an NDA was used to silence a woman connected to him. The proposals could extend existing protections beyond employees to freelancers and volunteers, groups common in television and film.

Culture secretary Lisa Nandy is due to meet representatives from creative industries, publishing and sport next week to discuss safeguards. Ministers are also considering whether people should be able to report crimes to anyone, including the media, despite NDA terms. Walliams denies wrongdoing; campaigners say broader protections are needed, while a separate proposal to make sex with a child under 16 automatically rape is expected to take longer.