Victims in rape cases must not feel like they are on trial, Burnham says

His comments come after Metropolitan Police boss Sir Mark Rowley told the BBC that what he heard reported from Russell Brand's trial came very close to "victim blaming" . The government needs to "constantly look" at how rape trials are conducted to better support alleged victims in court, the prime minister told Times Radio, although BBC News understands there are no plans to change the law around rape trials.

Actor and comedian Brand was found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault after a four-week trial in London. Sir Mark replied: "I think what I've heard reported heads towards, it's getting very close to victim blaming, which is something we've thought very hard about in policing and make sure we don't do." He said he would support a call from the Victims' Commissioner for a legal duty that would require judges to direct juries on rape myths and misconceptions in every rape trial.