Humanist Marriages

Debate between Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede and Lord Watts

Monday 2nd December 2024 Lords Chamber

[Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede (Lab)]

The noble Baroness makes an important point. In my time as a family magistrate, I often had people in front of me who were married in religious ceremonies but not married in the eyes of the law, and we had to unpick the arrangements for those separating couples. The noble Baroness has made a very good point.

[Lord Watts (Lab)]

My Lords, does the Minister understand the concern on these Benches that the last Government used to use “in due course” to do nothing for long periods, sometimes years? Can the Minister start a different process, and give some indication of when this matter will come back to the Chamber and where the Government will take action?

[Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede (Lab)]

Well, I have been advised by my Leader that I need to say “in the fullness of time”.