Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to ensure that UK citizens have the right to marry or form a civil partnership, other than a marriage of convenience, with whom they wish, and have the freedom to reside with their spouse or partner in the UK whatever their wealth or income.

British citizens and those settled in the UK are free to enter into a genuine relationship with whomever they choose. Foreign partners are able to come to the UK to be married or enter into a civil partnership through a visit visa, where they intend to return home, or a fiancé visa where they intend to go on to apply for permission to stay as a spouse or partner.

Unmarried partners, where the couple have been in a relationship similar to marriage or civil partnership for at least 2 years are able to apply for a permission to enter or stay in the UK as partner.

For those intending to establish their family life in the UK through the spouse, partner or fiancé routes, it is appropriate they should do so on a basis which is fair to the UK taxpayer and promotes integration with the wider community.

The government has announced the intention to commission the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to conduct a review of the financial requirements of the family immigration rules and will take into account their recommendations.