UK Government Blocks Prison Marriages for Most Serious Offenders

New legislation prevents inmates serving whole-life sentences, including Levi Bellfield, from marrying or forming civil partnerships.

Law enacted as part of the Victims and Prisoners Act, targeting over 70 inmates with whole-life orders.
Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasized the need to support victims by denying criminals certain life events.
Bellfield's engagement and subsequent civil partnership application spurred the government to accelerate the law's introduction.
Previously, marriage requests could only be denied for security reasons by prison governors.
The law allows the Justice Secretary to permit ceremonies in exceptional circumstances.