Oral Answers to Questions

Rebecca Paul Excerpts

Thursday 12th November 2026 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

I call the shadow Secretary of State.

[Rebecca Paul (Reigate) (Con)]

Russell Brand has now been jailed for rape and sexual assault. I know that the thoughts of the whole House will be with his victims, and I welcome the strong and powerful words of the Secretary of State just now. The BBC’s review into how complaints about Russell Brand’s behaviour were handled found that of eight complaints, only one was formally made at the time, and it was not dealt with effectively. It concludes that individuals felt “unable” to raise issues, believing

“that Russell Brand would always get his way,”

and so they stayed silent. Oscar-winning producer Lucie Kon has also shared her experience with the BBC after reporting antisemitic behaviour, and has raised concerns about the complaints process. In light of those harrowing stories, what discussions is the Secretary of State having with the BBC as part of the charter renewal to ensure that we see more effective investigation of serious workplace complaints, and a zero-tolerance approach to misconduct going forward?

[Lisa Nandy]

I absolutely accept that there is an important leadership role for the BBC in relation to this issue, but I would hate for us to forget that there were also a number of entertainment, media and publishing organisations where concerns raised about Russell Brand’s behaviour were simply not acted on. That is why I am bringing together representatives from across those different industries, to ensure that we draw a line in the sand and take action that is long overdue.

The hon. Lady asked about the BBC in particular, and she is right to say that significant problems were uncovered at the BBC. I am deeply frustrated that we have had so many reviews: the Dame Janet Smith review into Jimmy Savile; the review into the conduct of Huw Edwards; and reviews into the conduct of Tim Westwood. If we put those reviews next to each other and look at the recommendations, we see that they are the same recommendations over and over again. I will not accept that we cannot get our act together and ensure that our public service broadcaster, of which this country is rightly very proud, upholds better standards and processes than we have seen to date.

[Rebecca Paul]

Next year marks 1,100 years since Æthelstan united England and began the glorious national story that we are still telling to this day. It is an occasion worthy of celebration and recognition, yet when the Government were asked how they intended to mark it, the answer was that there are no plans. This important anniversary should be a moment of national joy that brings communities together, and a milestone marked by commemorative coins and stamps, special lessons in schools, Æthelstan on Trafalgar Square’s fourth plinth, and perhaps even a visit by His Majesty to this Parliament. Will the Secretary of State reconsider celebrating the 1,100th anniversary of England’s birth, and share with the House any such plans in due course?