London Law Firm Disappointed by Labour Manifesto’s Lack of Cohabitation Reform Commitment
The legal community in London is abuzz with disappointment following the release of the Labour Party manifesto, which failed to address the issue of cohabitation reform as previously promised by Shadow Attorney General Emily Thornberry. Despite Thornberry’s vocal support for reform at the Labour Party conference last October, the manifesto contained no concrete plans to protect the rights of cohabiting couples.
Industry professionals, including senior associates from Stowe Family Law, have expressed their frustration at the lack of progress in this area. A survey conducted by Stowe revealed that 92% of respondents believed cohabitees should have legal protections, highlighting the urgent need for change in the current legal framework.
Gabrielle Read-Thomas, Senior Associate at Stowe Family Law, emphasized the vulnerability of individuals, particularly women, in cohabiting relationships where there are no legal protections in place. She called for robust legal structures to be implemented to prevent financial vulnerability in the event of a relationship breakdown or the death of a partner.
Kate Daly, co-founder of an online divorce services company, echoed these concerns, pointing out the stark imbalance in rights between married couples and cohabiting partners. She emphasized the need for Labour’s reforms to address this disparity and provide adequate protections for all individuals in cohabiting relationships.
Despite the disappointment expressed by some firms, Tony Roe, partner at Dexter Montague, praised Labour’s pledge to protect women in cohabiting couples as a positive step. He reassured the public that this focus on women’s rights does not mean ignoring the calls for cohabitation reform, but rather prioritizing the immediate dangers faced by unmarried women in cohabiting situations.
As the debate continues within the legal community, it is clear that the issue of cohabitation reform remains a pressing concern for many, with calls for the government to address the longstanding imbalance in legal protections for cohabiting couples.
