Sir Cliff Richard, Paul Gambaccini and Nigel Evans will campaign for a change in law to protect the anonymity of those accused of sexual assault and rape.

The singer, broadcaster and MP met in Surrey over the weekend to discuss plans to set up a victims support group, to highlight 'the unnecessary pain and suffering' felt by those wrongly accused, and to campaign for anonymity for sexual assault defendants before charge.

Nigel Evans, who was acquitted of nine charges of rape and sexual assault in 2014, said: “We have got common ground but there are also a load of other people we have common ground with… some are famous before it happens, others become famous because of it... And if we can do without [and] other countries can, why don’t we just get on with it?”

English law protected the identity of rape defendants until the 1980’s and several European countries, such as Germany, ensure anonymity until conviction.

Mr Evans said they will wait until the new Conservative leader is announced, then the group will organise fellow “victims” and put their case to the future Home Secretary and Prime Minister.