Forced marriages to be made illegal
Forced marriages to be made illegal
David Cameron has announced that a new crime will be added to the statute book – that of forcing someone into marriage.
The Prime Minister said the Government will make it illegal to contravene a ruling made by courts in the UK, excluding Scotland, preventing a marriage. The PM has told the Home Secretary to begin a consultation on how to make it an offence.
The move follows the rejection of a call to make it illegal from the Commons Home Affairs Select Committee by Theresa May's department just three months ago. At the time, the Home Office said that such a move would make it less likely that victims would approach the authorities.
The change of tactic was unveiled during a speech by the PM in which he set out measures designed to address immigration
"To force someone into marriage is completely wrong. And I strongly believe this is a problem we should not shy away from addressing. But I know that there is a worry that criminalisation could make it less likely that those at risk will come forward," he said
"So, as a first step, I am announcing today that we will criminalise the breach of Forced Marriage Prevention Orders," Mr Cameron added.
Our Family and Matrimonial team helps families across West London and Bucks. For advice, contact a member of the team, call us on 01494 790007 or email enquiries@ibblaw.co.uk.
