New figures obtained from the UK Home Office have triggered shock after indicating that even very young children may be at risk of forced marriage in Britain.
According to the data, the UK’s Forced Marriage Unit received 406 reports between 2021 and 2025. The age breakdown has drawn particular concern.
Among those listed as victims were 27 children aged five or under, and 100 children aged 12 or below. The figures have intensified debate over child protection and enforcement.
In recorded cases, 165 people were reportedly taken to Pakistan in connection with forced marriage. In the UK, forcing someone into marriage is a criminal offence punishable by up to seven years in prison, yet the latest data has reignited political scrutiny.
