117 saved from forced marriage

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.