We’ve been trying to push for some clarification about the Government’s intentions following the Quila Supreme Court judgment.
Lord Avebury tabled a parliamentary question about this issue – the exchange appears below. Regrettably it seems like there’s nothing further on this save that something will be available ‘very shortly’.
We’ve also written to the Home Secretary and requested a meeting with the Immigration Minister. We’ve heard nothing yet, but will keep you posted if we hear anything, please do the same if you do too.
Exchange between Lord Avebury and Lord Henley
Lord Avebury (Liberal Democrat)
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what amendments they intend to make to the Immigration Rules in the light of the Supreme Court judgment in R (on the application of Quila and another) v Secretary of State for the Home Department; R (on the application of Bibi and another) v Secretary of State for the Home Department [2011] UKSC 45; what instructions are being given to immigration officers and presenting officers on how to deal with new applications by spouses, partners and fiancés under the age of 21, pending applications, and those applications that have been refused and that may or may not be subject to appeal by such applicants; and what new proposals they have for preventing forced marriages.
The Government are giving careful consideration to the Supreme Court‘s judgment and are preparing revised instructions for UK Border Agency staff. Further information on the implications of the judgment will be made available to applicants affected by the ruling via the UK Border Agency website very shortly.
There is no place in British society for the practice of forced marriage. It is a breach of human rights and a form of violence against the victims. The Prime Minister has announced that, in England and Wales, the breach of forced marriage protection orders will be criminalised and there will be a consultation on making forcing someone to marry an offence in its own right.
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