**A key aspect of consent is that it is reversible, therefore consent can be withdrawn at any time.** • In the UK, consent is defined by section 74 Sexual Offences Act (2003). This states that someone consents to sexual activity if they agree and have the freedom to make this choice. • It also states that consent can be withdrawn at any time during sexual activity, as they should have the freedom and capacity to say no at any point. More legal information can be summarised in this [NHS document](https://www.nhs.uk/about-the-nhs-website/professionals/healthandcareprofessionals/child-sexual-exploitation/documents/consent-information-leaflet.pdf). • You don’t specifically need to say “no”, there are other ways that people can indicate they don’t want to engage in sexual activity. For example, body language or lack of reciprocation. • Even if you have engaged in sexual activity with that person before, you still need to get their consent every time. So, if someone consents to one type of sexual activity, that does not mean they have consented to any others. • This government report called [This is Abuse](https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/this-is-abuse-campaign) can provide more information on consent and provide more awareness on issues relating to sexual abuse, violence and rape.

Yes. Period. That being said, if you knowingly mislead someone into a sexual situation, get them incredibly worked up, then suddenly withdraw your consent after it's already been thoroughly established and agreed upon that all parties are 'GO'. That's... radically inconsiderate and you should be ashamed of yourself. THAT being said, that doesn't validate someone pushing the issue. As much as people misuse the concept of consent, we can't get around the value of consent. You can NEVER simply take what you want from someone, no matter how unfair they're being.

“Any time” is too vague. Consent can only be given and rescinded in the present and the future, but not retroactively revoked. History is concrete: I *consented* to eating sriracha ice cream, I *am currently consenting* to eat sriracha ice cream, but in the future, when sriracha ice cream gives me *the bubble guts*, I cannot change my mind or the past about my consent to eat it.