HC Deb 17 December 2001 vol 377 cc86-7W
Mr. Wray

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what help is available in the Government's action plan to those who do not wish to make public the fact that they are being forced into marriage. [21616]

Angela Eagle

We have introduced a package of care to support victims of forced marriage, which includes help in escaping from the situation for those who want to.

Information can be accessed and obtained in schools via the welfare officer, police stations, GP's surgeries, via the internet and the Community Liaison Unit at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO).

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office have re-examined and identified ways in which staff in key posts overseas, handle forced marriage cases. Developing links and funding a number of women's refuges to provide support and accommodation to victims abroad. Further links are continuing to be developed with social services and other statutory agencies to ensure victims receive the support they need once they return to the United Kingdom.

Mr. Wray

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures in the immigration rules protect British Muslims from being sent abroad to marry against their will. [21617]

Angela Eagle

The Immigration Rules are there to regulate the grant to overseas nationals of leave to enter and remain in the United Kingdom. They do not seek to regulate the control of British Nationals, entering or leaving the United Kingdom. However, the Government are tackling the problem of forced marriage in a number of ways.

Included in the recent forced marriage progress report by the Home Office and Foreign and Commonwealth Office are some of the steps being taken to provide help, advice and support to victims and potential victims of forced marriage.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office have also published a leaflet, "Forced Marriages Abroad". This gives advice and guidance on what to do if someone fears they may be forced into a marriage, while abroad.

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