Marriage visa age rising to 21

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From November 27, both parties in a marriage will have to be 21 before a marriage visa can be issued.

The change comes as part of what the Home Office describes as "the biggest shake-up to immigration and border security in 45 years" and is intended to help prevent forced marriages and abuse of the visa system.

Border and immigration minister Phil Woolas said: "It is important that we protect vulnerable young people and this measure will help avoid exploitation."

Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman Chris Huhne said: "The increase in age limits for marriage visas is a welcome defence against abuses such as forced marriage. But we must also give more help to legitimate spouses to learn English so they can play a full part in society.

"Tighter controls on counting people in are undermined by not counting them out. Exit checks must be reintroduced immediately if we are to manage migration effectively."