The Conservatives have revealed a new set of proposals aiming to make the British marriage stronger.

The proposal was outlined by former Tory Leader Iain D Smith. The agreements would be legally binding in the UK and couples who are living together would not be given equal rights as those who are married.

Iain D Smith said this review is working from an underlying assumption that marriage should be supported both by law and by government.

He added that policy should be focused on stemming the tide of relationship breakdown. Marriage acts as a signal and stabiliser. Married couples are far less likely to break up than couples who live together without getting married.