Political Opinion: Unmarried couples in Hemel Hempstead to gain stronger rights under Labour’s landmark reforms, says David Taylor MP

More than 3.5 million unmarried couples across the UK could soon benefit from stronger legal and financial protections, as the Government launches a major consultation to modernise family law.

The reforms aim to provide greater security for couples who live together but are not married, reflecting changing family structures across the country.

Census data shows there are 309,554 cohabiting couples in the East of England who are set to benefit from the reforms.

Just under half of people (47 per cent) believe by simply living together, or having a child, they are in a “common law marriage” with the same protections as married couples. This is a myth.

Separation can be financially devastating, particularly where one partner has been economically dependent. The reforms aim to ensure fairer outcomes and reduce hardship during already difficult times.

Deputy Prime Minister, David Lammy, said: “When a relationship comes to an end, each partner should have the support and certainty they need to rebuild their life. We’re launching this consultation to make sure our new family law builds a fair system that offers the most vulnerable protection in the event of a breakup and at a time where the country is facing cost of living pressures.

“Whether you’ve been left bereaved by the sudden and unexpected death of a partner or escaped horrific domestic abuse, our laws should work to protect you.

“These reforms strike an important balance between tradition and modernity. I’m determined that our justice system works for everyone who needs it.”

David Taylor MP said: “Because of cost of living pressures felt across Hemel Hempstead, financial security is more important than ever. In the East of England there are 309,554 cohabiting couples set to benefit from new protections under Labour’s reforms, bringing the law on cohabitation into the 21st century.”

Sam Smethers, CEO of Surviving Economic Abuse, said: “This is a once in a generation opportunity to improve protections for victim survivors of domestic abuse, whether they hold a marriage certificate or not. Too often, cohabiting survivors are left with no safe route to separate financially from an abusive partner, forced to abandon their home, savings or financial security just to escape.

“It is encouraging that the Government will also explore whether courts should give greater weight to domestic, including economic, abuse when resolving finances. Too many survivors are forced to navigate an outdated legal system that doesn’t consider the impact of these harms and is often weaponised by abusers to continue coercive control from afar.

“As reforms are developed, it is vital that the Government works closely with victim survivors – especially those most marginalised from the justice system – to ensure the new protections recognise the devastating impact of economic abuse and genuinely meet all survivors’ needs.”