Published on
11 June 2021
Barnardo's welcomes efforts to increase the legal age to marry to 18
Barnardo's responds to Sajid Javid, the former chancellor, introducing a private member’s bill next week that will make it illegal for anyone to marry below the age of 18.
Javed Khan, CEO of Barnardo's, said:
"It is still legal for children aged 16 and 17 to marry under a law that dates back to before the Second World War. We know that some children are being coerced into marriage, and this can result in them missing out on education and becoming victims of domestic abuse and other harm. Currently, the onus is on them, as children, to speak out against the marriage, often against their own families.
"We welcome efforts by Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP to close this loophole and help protect vulnerable children from harm."