Smith sets out forced marriage plan

The home secretary has announced a range of measures designed to prevent forced marriages.

Jacqui Smith said on Wednesday that the age limit for any spouse being brought in from abroad will be raised from 18 to 21, and a new commitment to learn English will be introduced.

British citizens seeking to marry foreigners overseas will also need to register their intention before leaving the UK.

And the UK Border Agency will get a new power to remove those deemed to have abused the marriage visa system.

Smith said: "Forced marriage leads to victims suffering years of physical and mental abuse and - in extreme cases - unlawful imprisonment and rape.

"It has no place in our society. The government is determined to do everything it can to stamp it out and to ensure that victims receive the help and support they need.

"That is why we are raising the age limit for visas, checking anyone entering into a marriage does so of their own free will and demanding that those coming to the UK learn English."

Shadow home secretary Dominic Grieve welcomed what he said was the government following the Conservatives' lead.

"Whilst we welcome the fact the government has adopted 80 per cent of our policies, we are concerned about their proposal to 'ask' people to enter into an 'agreement' to learn English," he said.

"We would have a requirement that the spouse must a basic knowledge of English before they came to the UK.

"It would be unfair and impractical to allow someone to come here on the promise that they will learn English and then remove them if they can't."