Caution needed over rights for cohabitees - Burt

9.46.38pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 2nd Jun 2006

Responding to the Law Commission's consultation on the rights of Cohabiting Couples, which would give unmarried couples entitlements to inheritance and pensions rights upon the death of a partner, and the rights to share each other's wealth if they split, Liberal Democrat Spokeswoman for Women and Equality, Lorely Burt MP said:

"We must be very cautious about imposing legal consequences on couples who have not signed up to any legal contact, nor necessarily wish to.

"Other options such as a general regime of civil partnerships, which would allow couples to sign up to a certain contract without entering into marriage are also very worthy of consideration.

"This is not a time for knee-jerk reaction, it is imperative that all the issues concerning this area of law are considered calmly and rationally."