Mary Creagh: Law must catch up with unmarried couples

Wednesday, 31, May 2006 12:00

A Labour MP has said the law must catch up with the rising numbers of unmarried couples, welcoming today’s proposals by the Law Commission to look into legal reform on the issue.

Wakefield MP Mary Creagh tabled an early day motion in January calling for greater rights for cohabiting couples, which was signed by 121 MPs.

“I am delighted that the Law Commission has recognised the need for some legal protection and fairness for unmarried couples," she said.

"We are not talking about partners claiming massive amounts of money when they separate. But these proposals will provide a safety net so that one partner is not left destitute after a long-term relationship.

"People just don't realise that, legally, there is no such thing as a 'common law marriage'. There are two million unmarried couples living together in the UK. The law must catch up to give them the protection they need.”