This follows the announcement on 10 October 2011 by David Cameron that the Government would criminalise the breach of Forced Marriage Prevention Orders. These orders block forced marriages from going ahead and protect potential victims.
Although many cases of forced marriage go unreported, the Government's Forced Marriage Unit gave advice or support on 1,735 instances in 2010 alone, and the youngest victim of forced marriage was just 12 years old. The oldest was 73.
Steve said: "I am glad this Government is examining how we can criminalise forced marriage while ensuring we do not discourage victims from coming forward.
"We need to completely eradicate this unacceptable crime. I know this rightly appals people across Winchester & Chandler's Ford, and I fully support the tough stance of David Cameron and Theresa May against forced marriage."