25/01/2013
Government Publishes Legislation On Gay Marriage
New legislation that will enable same-sex marriages to take place in England and Wales has been published.
The legislation will be debated in the Commons on Tuesday 5 February, Conservatives MPs will get a free vote on the legislation meaning they will face no repercussions if they decide to defy government policy.
It is thought that more than 100 Tory MPs are against the idea, but it is expected the bill will pass through the Commons with the support of Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs.
The bill has divided Conservatives. Culture Secretary Maria Miller told BBC Radio 4: "We feel that marriage is a good thing and we should be supporting more couples to marry."
Adding there would be adequate protection for religious freedoms.
But former Defence Secretary Liam Fox recently described it as "ill thought through and constitutionally wrong".
(H)
The legislation will be debated in the Commons on Tuesday 5 February, Conservatives MPs will get a free vote on the legislation meaning they will face no repercussions if they decide to defy government policy.
It is thought that more than 100 Tory MPs are against the idea, but it is expected the bill will pass through the Commons with the support of Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs.
The bill has divided Conservatives. Culture Secretary Maria Miller told BBC Radio 4: "We feel that marriage is a good thing and we should be supporting more couples to marry."
Adding there would be adequate protection for religious freedoms.
But former Defence Secretary Liam Fox recently described it as "ill thought through and constitutionally wrong".
(H)
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A climb down last night by the Government helped push the Mental Incapacity Bill through its second stage reading, amid chaotic scenes in the Commons last night.
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A climb down last night by the Government helped push the Mental Incapacity Bill through its second stage reading, amid chaotic scenes in the Commons last night.
16 June 2014
Forced Marriage Becomes Criminal Offence
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Forced Marriage Becomes Criminal Offence
Forcing someone to marry against their will is now a criminal offence. New legislation introduced today by the government is designed to help people in England and Wales. It also applies to UK nationals overseas who are at risk of becoming the victim of a forced marriage.
12 January 2012
Met Police Choppers Join Twitter
London's residents can now find out what the MPS Helicopters are up to, thanks to the launch of the Air Support Unit's official Twitter account. @MPSinthesky got off the ground last Tuesday and captured 1,000 followers within hours of going live.
Met Police Choppers Join Twitter
London's residents can now find out what the MPS Helicopters are up to, thanks to the launch of the Air Support Unit's official Twitter account. @MPSinthesky got off the ground last Tuesday and captured 1,000 followers within hours of going live.
01 April 2004
University top-up fees proposals win Commons approval
The government's flagship proposals on university top-up fees have passed through the Commons, after the anticipated backbench backlash failed to materialise.
University top-up fees proposals win Commons approval
The government's flagship proposals on university top-up fees have passed through the Commons, after the anticipated backbench backlash failed to materialise.
11 December 2012
CofE Gay Marriage Outlawed
Performing gay marriage ceremonies in the Church of England and Church in Wales is to be banned, the government has announced. The move comes as a result of new 'opt-in' laws which will allow some religious institutions to perform marriage ceremonies for same-sex couples.
CofE Gay Marriage Outlawed
Performing gay marriage ceremonies in the Church of England and Church in Wales is to be banned, the government has announced. The move comes as a result of new 'opt-in' laws which will allow some religious institutions to perform marriage ceremonies for same-sex couples.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.