Written question asked by Lord Avebury (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Henley (Conservative) on Tuesday, 25 October 2011.

Forced Marriage

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what amendments they intend to make to the Immigration Rules in the light of the Supreme Court judgment in R (on the application of Quila and another) v Secretary of State for the Home Department; R (on the application of Bibi and another) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2011] UKSC 45; what instructions are being given to immigration officers and presenting officers on how to deal with new applicationsby spouses, partners and fiancés under the age of 21, pending applications, and those applications that have been refused and that may or may not be subject to appeal by such applicants; and what new proposals they have for preventing forced marriages.

Answer: The Government are giving careful consideration to the Supreme Court's judgment and are preparing revised instructions for UK Border Agency staff. Further information on the implications of the judgment will be made available to applicants affected by the ruling via the UK Border Agency website very shortly. There is no place in British society for the practice of forced marriage. It is a breach of human rights and a form of violence against the victims. The Prime Minister has announced that, in England and Wales, the breach of forced marriage protection orders will be criminalised and there will be a consultation on making forcing someone to marry an offence in its own right.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 12623; 731 c128-9WA
Session: 2010-12
Subjects: Immigration controls Judgements Forced marriage Married people Young people Supreme Court
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk