Campaigners hail law raising age of marriage to 18 in England and Wales

Now illegal for 16- and 17-year-olds to marry or enter a civil partnership, even with parental consent

Campaigners have hailed a new law raising the legal age of marriage in England and Wales as a significant milestone in child protection.

The Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act comes into force on Monday following a five-year campaign and will prevent 16- and 17-year-olds from marrying or entering a civil partnership, even if they have parental consent.