Many constituents have been writing to me to express their
concerns about the so-called ‘no-fault’ divorce provisions of the Divorce,
Dissolution and Separation Bill.
They have also asked if I could support a series of amendments
tabled by Fiona Bruce MP and Sir Edward Leigh MP to the bill. Fiona and
Edward are both esteemed colleagues and friends of mine that I have worked with
on many previous occasions, especially on conscience issues like abortion and
end of life issues where MPs can freely disagree with the stance that the
Government is taking.
I fully understand the concerns many constituents have expressed
to me and in particular the potential for ‘no-fault’ divorces to be
allowed and the impact that can have on society. Marriage is one of our most
important and valued institutions, and no one wants a marriage to break down –
I speak as a fellow Christian and a former church leader.
The bill received its Second Reading in the Commons on 8 June.
Unfortunately due to other parliamentary business that I had to attend to on
that day, I was not present to debate or vote on the Second Reading of the
Bill.
I have, however, been assured by ministers that the bill is not
designed to weaken the institution of marriage or make it easier for couples to
seek a divorce, but to minimise the harm and conflict that can arise from
the legal process, once both parties have agreed to divorce. Divorce
will always be one of the hardest decisions anyone has to take.
I was further assured by ministers that the Government is
following through on the funding commitments made in the last Budget to support
organisations providing vital counselling work such as Relate and important initiatives
such as the troubled families programme, as well as research work to bolster
the effectiveness of family hubs, where work can be done to support families in
conflict who are struggling and having difficulty keeping together.
Divorce brings far-reaching effects on children, on the wider
family and on other relationships.
No law can ever prevent or even remove conflict at a time of great
personal and family upheaval.
What the law can do is to minimise the potential for couples to
entrench positions against each other, and to encourage couples who have been
unable to reconcile to approach arrangements for the future as constructively
and cooperatively as possible, reducing conflict and its impact on
children.
On these points I do agree with the Government that there is merit
in this bill in helping to bring about resolution to a difficult situation.
But I will continue to monitor the impact that these new
provisions may have and seek further opportunities to speak up for
marriage and family unity.
