I have been lobbying the government to extend legal protection to cohabiting couples for more than two years.
There are currently 2.2 million unmarried couples in the UK. More than half of people who responded to a survey carried out by Resolution, the family law association, thought that there was such a thing as 'common-law marriage', and that co-habitants' rights to property and finance were very similar to those of married people.
But, in reality, a partner who lives with someone for many years and contributes to household bills has no right to a share of the family home, maintenance payments or a council tenancy if the relationship ends.
Last year I tabled an Early Day Motion in Parliament, supported by 123 MPs, calling for minimum rights for cohabitants affected by relationship breakdown.
Since raising this issue I received many heartbreaking letters from women across the country who were left penniless or homeless after a relationship has ended. One was from a woman who had been living with her partner for 17 years, and had five children with him. She now finds herself unable to leave him as he refuses to give her a fair share in the family home, which is only in his name.
In July the Law Commission recommended changes to the law to give legal protection to unmarried couples.
They recommend that Parliament should change the law so that all couples who have lived together for set period of time, which Parliament will decide but they recommend at between two and five years, should be given protection.
They also recommend automatic protection for all cohabiting couples with children, whatever the length of their relationship.
These recommendations will provide a safety net so that one partner and their children are not left destitute after a long-term relationship ends.
There is a clear link between relationship breakdown and child poverty. Currently it is left to the taxpayer to pick up the pieces by providing social housing and benefits, but this should be the responsibility of the former partner.
However, all couples will be able to legally 'opt-out' of such protection if they wish.
These changes will not damage the institution of marriage. The Church of England has made it clear that the test is whether the recommendations would correct injustices and safeguard the welfare of children without downgrading or creating disincentives to marriage.
Cohabitees in Canada, Scotland and Australia already have certain protections under the law. Research from Australia found no obvious impact on the marriage rate.
I am looking forward to debating this legislation in Parliament, and finally seeing the law catch up society in the 21st century.
