Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing welcomes the Government’s consultation on criminalising Forced Marriage

Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing has welcomed the launching of a Government consultation on the criminalisation of forced marriage.

This follows the announcement on October 10 this year by the Prime Minister, David Cameron, that the Government would criminalise the breach of Forced Marriage Prevention Orders.

These orders block forced marriages from going ahead and protect potential victims.

Although many cases of forced marriage go unreported:

• The Government’s Forced Marriage Unit gave advice or support on 1,735 instances in 2010 alone.
• The youngest victim of forced marriage was just 12 years old, and the oldest 73.
• In 2010 the Forced Marriage Unit gave active assistance to 469 cases across the country.

Mrs Laing, who has undertaken considerable work on this issue over several years, said: “I am glad this Government is examining how we can criminalise forced marriage while ensuring we do not discourage victims from coming forward.

“We need to completely eradicate this unacceptable crime which rightly appals people across Epping Forest.

“I fully support the tough stance of David Cameron and Theresa May against forced marriage.”