Cohabitation Bill [HL]

My Lords, I accept that; I have gone slightly too far. My noble friend Lady Deech is entirely right that there are provisions, but they are nothing like as satisfactory as those that would be provided by a simplification and clarification of the law by an extension of jurisdiction to such mothers and, occasionally, fathers. I have reservations about certain clauses. I listened with particular interest to the right reverend Prelate, and I agreed with much of what he said. However, the Church of England’s approach is unworkable and unrealistic. The approach of the right reverend Prelate is one that I very much prefer. Those reservations include whether two years where a couple have children is right, and whether it should not be two years at least for everyone. Some of the valid criticisms made by my noble friend Lady Deech could be met by other amendments to the Bill. I congratulate the noble Lord on introducing and pursuing the Bill; it is admirable that he has done so. It is important that this House should consider the Bill, and I very much support it in principle.