Whilst in Berlin for a short Conference, I took the opportunity to meet with influential representatives of the German Parliament’s Family Affairs Committee to discuss my Marriage Act.
Germany put in place a similar measure in 2017, and I wanted to meet to discuss the lessons we can learn in the UK from its implementation. Their Act was amended in 2020 to make it more effective, and more like the Act which I have just brought in in the UK. However, our Act is stronger as it provides for criminal sanctions for those who cause a child to enter a marriage, rather than simply annulling the marriage.
I met with Leni Breymeier, Spokesperson of the Committee, and Jasmina Hostert, to share insights into the German law and further parliamentary co-operation between our two nations.
I will feed back the results of these meetings in my ongoing discussions with UK Ministers about ensuring that education and enforcement are ready to be implemented as soon as the Act is commenced in February.
