MP CAMPAIGNS AGAINST FORCED MARRIAGES AND 'HONOUR KILLINGS'

Conservative MP Eleanor Laing has tabled a parliamentary Early Day Motion (EDM) to raise awareness of the work of a charity set up to protect young Asians in Britain from forced marriages and so-called "honour killings".

The Epping Forest MP tabled the EDM on Wednesday to show her support for the Freedom Charity, which aims to advise and support victims of forced marriages or honour-based violence, or those at risk.

Ms Laing said: "Freedom Charity has been established to save the lives of vulnerable children who are at risk of, or are subjected to, forced marriage under threat of mental and physical violence.

"Although most young people in the UK can rely on the safety and security offered within their home, family and community, some young people - often of school age - are subjected to abuse and threats to force them into marriage.

"Some refuse to co-operate and sadly and tragically every year many are physically assaulted, threatened, forced abroad or even killed.

"By raising this issue now, I am hoping to draw attention to an issue which now affects thousands of British Asians every year, and gain support for action from my parliamentary colleagues of whatever political allegiance - this problem transcends party politics."

Founder of the new Freedom Charity, Aneeta Prem, said: "Eleanor's support is fantastic for our cause in placing this subject at the top of the political agenda at a time when many young Asians are taken abroad on the pretext of family holidays or weddings - only to find the wedding is their own and to someone they have probably never met.

"When they resist, they can be severely punished by parents, brothers, uncles or cousins and many are killed every year.

"There is also a growing awareness of the number of gay or lesbian young men and women who are forced into opposite sex marriages to hide the so-called shame of their families.

"It's time we woke up to the fact that these barbaric practices are rife in some sections of our society and need to be stamped out.

"At the very least, we want to mobilise more and more people to protest and join us in our fight.

"Every UK citizen no matter what their background should enjoy freedom of choice and security and safety to live their lives as they wish.

"The EDM will hopefully attract a great deal of support from other MPs and we can start to make a real difference to people's lives.

"The EDM also called for the term 'dishonour killings' to be used officially, rather than 'honour killings'. There is no honour in killing a family member because they want to marry for love and not cultural or religious dogma."

Freedom Charity was founded by Aneeta, following her involvement with children affected by forced marriage. Working closely with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, communities and youth organisations, the charity aims to raise awareness, offer support and provide independent advice.

For more information visit www.freedomcharity.org.uk or email contact@freedomcharity.org.uk.

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