Marriage loophole for minors aged 16-18 set to be closed

The Government is set to approve the closure of a legal loophole which allows minors aged between 16 and 18 get married.

The loophole, which permitted children in certain special circumstances to get married, is being closed on foot of concerns by welfare groups.

They argue that there is a risk of young women in certain ethnic groups being forced into marriages and at risk of coercion and violence.