Cliff Richard demands new rights for victims of false allegations

Sir Cliff Richard has backed a campaign calling for those falsely accused of crimes to be legally recognised as victims.

The singer, whose home was raided in 2014 in a live broadcast about sexual assault allegations which never led to an arrest, has signed a letter demanding justice for those “damaged by allegations proven to be maliciously false”.

In the joint letter to Alex Norris, the Justice Secretary, seen by The Telegraph, he wrote: “We cannot undo what happened to us, restore lost years, or erase the damage inflicted on our reputations and loved ones.

“We pursue it because we have a platform, one we have been given, earned and, in some cases, had thrust upon us by circumstances we would never have chosen.

“We intend to use that platform to ensure that no one, regardless of position, prominence, or means, has to endure what we have suffered.”

Police searched Sir Cliff’s home in Berkshire as part of an investigation into a historical sexual assault claim.

He was never arrested and later successfully sued the BBC for breach of privacy over its coverage of the raid, which it had filmed from a helicopter and broadcast.

Sir Cliff has joined fellow signatories Harvey Proctor, Lady Brittan of Spennithorne, the family of Lord Bramall, and Peter Batey, chairman of the Sir Edward Heath Charitable Foundation.

“No innocent person should be forgotten by the very system entrusted with protecting them,” the group wrote in a letter sent on Oct 22.

They added: “Justice must extend not only to those who make genuine allegations, but also to those whose lives are damaged by allegations proven to be maliciously false.”

In the letter, the group said David Lammy, the former justice secretary, had acknowledged in previous correspondence the “profound suffering caused” by false allegations and pointed to new provisions under the Victims and Courts Act 2026.

The group has demanded clarification about whether those falsely accused of serious crimes will be formally recognised as victims and afforded the information, rights and protections available under the new provisions.

“Will the new statutory provisions extend to individuals directly harmed by malicious false allegations, including, where applicable, their entitlement to information about an offender’s release and licence conditions?” the group wrote, adding: “If not, will you confirm whether you will review the framework to ensure that these forgotten victims are no longer excluded?”

Read the full article at The Telegraph.