Civil Partnerships a welcome feature of British life

12.48.00pm GMT Fri 15th Dec 2006

Responding to the statistics released today by the ONS about civil partnerships, Liberal Democrat Equalities Spokesperson, Lorely Burt MP said: "When the Archers feature a gay wedding we know that civil partnerships have become a permanent feature of British Life."

"Adam and Ian have confronted some knotty problems since they got together, including gaining acceptance in their family and local community, and the issue of fatherhood. We wish them, and all other couples, well."