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117 saved from forced marriage
Date published: 10 March 2010
MORE than 100 people have been saved from a forced marriage as a result of a law introduced by an Oldham MP.
Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Phil Woolas in his role of Immigration Minister brought about the changes in the law to crack down on problems of forced marriage.
He said: “Every one in Oldham should know that there is a big difference between an arranged marriage and a forced marriage.
“Forced marriage is illegal and while the genuine couples under 21 suffer, (the age someone can come into the UK to marry has been raised from 18 to 21), I hope with balance people will see this as a fair measure.”
MPs on the Commons Home Affairs select committee, also heard how since Forced Marriage Protection Orders came into force in 2008, 117 orders have been made.
They offer protective measures if a forced marriage has already taken place and passports can be confiscated
The committee was left shocked after being told of how an order was taken out on a girl of just eight.
MPS asked for more hotlines for women to call.
MPs were also told short films about forced marriage and domestic violence should appear on flights into and out the UK.
Comments
Should it not be the case that every family returning with a daughter from countries affected, should been interviewed as to whether a marriage has indeed happened.
There's a dead easy way to stop forced marriages, and that is to ban entry to the UK for spouses. That takes away a huge incentive for people to pay to jump the immigration queue, or to bring in close family members by forcing a marriage.
I disagree with Phil Woolas when he states that there is a big difference between arranged and forced marriages. There isn't. They go hand in hand. An arranged marriage is merely one in which the child is too scared to object and this practice has no place in a modern society. It belongs back in the desert from where it sprang.
Pancho Villa
You are our hero Phil, saving the world yet again!! Yet more spin and deceit from a far left politician desperate to hang on to his seat in May. This is about as effective as Woolas claiming laws he introduced have caused immigration numbers to fall when the reality is that the recession has seen many migrant workers back home.
i might go claim asylum in a diff country see what happens to me bet i get shipped back then bring the rest of me family there they need to fix britain and stop people coming over to briatain getting married then bringing the rest of the family over they should just do what france done then briatain wouldnt be as broken and these problems wouldnt be here
Pancho- There is a difference, but I'm glad you stated that you disagree with Phil Woolas, at least you dont come on and state it as fact, merely opionion (wrong, but at least its an opinion).
Arranged marriages are practiced throughout the world not just the desert, you need to broaden your internet surfing. It was even practised in this country, dont get upset, just accept it and move on.
Have Your Say
Are the perpertrators of forced marriages to be brought to justice? Anyone prepared to marry off their 8 year old daughter should be sitting in a prison cell as far as I am concerned. Whilst in this country our laws should be abided.
By timberwolf @ 10/03/2010 14:22:21