A campaigning former MP from the district has welcomed a Commons committee’s recommendation that forced marriage should be criminalised to send the message it will not be tolerated in Britain.

As it stands, the Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act gives victims and third parties the right to seek an injunction to prevent a forced marriage. As a last resort people can go to court to claim compensation for damages and injuries suffered.

But the Home Affairs Select Committee believes ministers should go further and make the practice a criminal offence as it would “send a stronger message that forced marriage will not be tolerated”.

Former Keighley MP Ann Cryer, who was a member of the Home Affairs Committee, campaigned against forced marriage for more than ten years in Westminster.

She said: “For a long time I would have disagreed that it should be criminalised but we had to win hearts and minds rather than introduce criminal sanctions.

“I worked my socks off to get the civil legislation through to stop this evil practice and there is no doubt it is working but there are cases where it is not enough.

“Forced marriage goes against every cultural norm in Islam and now it is right the committee has recommended this move.”

Committee chairman Keith Vaz said: “Forced marriage is a serious issue that affects some of the most vulnerable individuals in the UK. I am very disappointed that progress on protection and awareness remains slow. I am also concerned that a loss of specialist services due to spending cuts will further stunt progress.

“We believe the best way to deter people from forcing individuals into marriage is through criminalising forced marriage. Taking this bold step alongside providing a range of services supporting victims of violence and raising awareness in schools must be a priority for the Government.

“There should be zero tolerance of this harmful activity that ruins the lives of so many.”

  • Read the full story in Tuesday's T&A