Parents who force their children into arranged marriages could face jail, under new government legislation.

Announcing the plans, Prime Minister David Cameron said forced marriage is "little more than slavery", saying he wanted to send out a "clear and strong message" that the practice would no longer be tolerated.

Campaigners have warned that criminalising forced marriage altogether could deter victims from coming forward but Mr Cameron said an extra £500,000 of funding would help identify and support those affected.

He said: "Forced marriage is abhorrent and is little more than slavery. To force anyone into marriage against their will is simply wrong and that is why we have taken decisive action to make it illegal.

"I have listened to concerns that criminalisation could force this most distressing issue underground.

"That is why we have a new comprehensive package to identify possible victims, support those who have suffered first hand and, indeed, prevent criminality wherever possible."

Under the plan, forced marriages will become a criminal offence in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The scale of sentences available will be set out in the legislation.