The Government has introduced tougher immigration rules which ministers believe could reduce the number of forced marriages.

People aged under 18 will no longer be able to sponsor someone to enter the country for marriage from outside of the European Union.

The Home Office ruling, which came into effect on April 1, follows a call by Keighley MP Ann Cryer for an age limit of 21 to be established.

Mrs Cryer believes setting an age limit will allow women to have a greater say in their marriage decision and help combat domestic violence.

Beverley Hughes, Minister of State at the Home Office, said setting an 18 age limit could prevent some forced marriages among young women at their most vulnerable age.

Mrs Cryer said the new rule did not impact on the right of people to marry at 16 with parental consent.

She said: "However, those pushed into marriage now at an early age to facilitate entry clearance would be empowered to delay this hefty commitment, thus taking charge of the direction of their own lives."

She added: "I am delighted that the government has made this decision, although I still believe that an age limit of 21 would be more appropriate, but it is most certainly a step in the right direction.

"All men and women, Asian, black or white, have a right to marry with parental consent at 16 and without consent from 18.

"My proposal, now adopted in part by the government, would have no impact whatsoever on this."

Mohammed Ajiab of the Keighley Muslim Association said: "We are totally against this. There are many people across the land who won't be happy and there will be a backlash.

"There shouldn't be legislation like this - it is interfering with people's lives. There should be stronger laws to protect people from the issues Ann Cryer is talking about - forced marriages - without the need to treat people like this."

Centre manager at the Sangat Centre Khadim Hussain said: "I am not just speaking on behalf of the Sangat Centre - it is for the community.

"I think this legislation has been brought in through the back door and I feel it is disparaging for the young people and I really hope it's challenged in the European Court.

"It is oppression. Ann Cryer had suggested an age limit of 21 so some people may be breathing a sigh of relief that it is now 18, but to me it is a step in the wrong direction.

"We consider this a strong violation of human rights and it will make a lot of people very upset."

Mohammed Saleem, chairman of the Ittehaad Community Association, said: "I strongly disagree with forced marriages and can understand where Ann's coming from on this, but it causes me great concern that people in this country can marry at 16 yet this age limit of 18 is being set.

"Marrying at an early age can help people take responsibility and can help them with a successful life."