The Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act received Royal Assent in April of last year and came into effect in February of 2023.

Previously, 16 and 17 year olds were able to marry as long as they receive parental consent. From the 27th of February 2023, the legal age of marriage has been be raised to 18.

This change has been introduced to transform the lives of those who are 16 - 17 years old and at risk of being forced to marry against their will. Whilst forced marriage itself is a criminal offence, the current law has repeatedly failed those who face immense pressure to marry and may be victims of abuse. The law also bans non legally binding ceremonies that would be viewed as marriage by the parties and their families.

Under the new law, adults who facilitate underage marriage could face up to seven years in prison and a significant fine. Children who are forced to marry will not face penalties.

The introduction of this law is imperative to safeguard vulnerable children and is a significant step in the UN’s push towards ending child marriage by 2030.