for those wondering why the Tory MP arrested over rape allegations hasn't been named, an explainer:

- in the UK, press do not name someone implicated in criminal proceedings unless they've been charged, the reasons being that that person could technically later sue for libel (1)

- there have, of course, been exceptions to this in the past, such as extremely high profile cases where there is an exceptional level of public interest (but this would never come from the police). there are other exceptions if the proceedings are in another country (2)

- until a person has been charged, there is not enough evidence to suggest a person is guilty of a crime. an arrest is not enough to implicate someone and potentially tarnish their reputation forever. (3)

- naming him could also potentially lead to prejudicing later proceedings (if the man is charged and the case is tried by a jury, that is), which can lead to entire cases being thrown out. criminal proceedings are active upon arrest. (4)

- and lastly, naming the person arrested in this case could also identify the complainant (ie, the person accusing someone of a crime). complainants in ALL sexual offences have guaranteed lifelong anonymity, even if the case is dropped or the accused is acquitted. (5)

- he could, in theory, be named if he's named during parliamentary proceedings. why? because anything said in parliament is covered by something called absolute privilege, allowing MPs to openly debate. it covers press reports of anything said in parliament from defamation (6)

- an example of this was when Philip Green was named as the high-profile businessman accused of sexual harassment back in 2018. his identity was kept under wraps, until Lord Hain used his parliamentary privilege to name him in the House of Lords (7) https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/oct/26/naming-of-philip-green-will-reopen-issue-of-parliamentary-privilege