Written question asked by Jim Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party) on Tuesday, 29 June 2021, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 1 July 2021. It was answered by Alex Chalk (Conservative) on Wednesday, 7 July 2021 on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.

Marriage: Age

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if he will hold discussions with Cabinet colleagues on increasing the legal age of marriage to 18 years old.

Answer: The Government in principle supports raising the legal age of marriage to 18 years of age by removing the ability to marry at age 16 or 17 with parental consent. We will do so when a suitable legislative opportunity arises. In that context, the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Bill was introduced by the hon. member for Bromsgrove on 16 June as a Private Members’ Bill. The hon. member for Mid Derbyshire is now sponsoring that Bill and Ministers will meet with her shortly to discuss its provisions. The Government will make its further intentions clear in due course.

Secondary information