Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage has welcomed the Government's decision to make forced marriage a criminal offence.
The local MP has long called for the practice to be criminalised, and secured a commitment from Home Office Minister Lynne Featherstone in December 2011 that action would be taken. Following a detailed public consultation, the Home Secretary has today announced that forced marriage will be made a criminal offence.
Commenting on the announcement, Caroline said:
"Forced marriage is an abhorrent practice that has no place in our modern age. It is a fundamental abuse of human rights and treats people as little more than slaves. I am delighted that the Government is sending out a strong message that this practice will not be tolerated by making it a criminal offence."
The Gosport MP has also welcomed the news that Government has pledged a further half a million pounds to help prevent forced marriages and support the victims, in addition to plans for a major summer campaign to raise awareness of the risk of forced marriage abroad.
