Gay marriage closer to becoming law after MPs vote strongly in favour of legalising same-sex weddings
David Cameron enraged Tory rebels last night by striking a late deal with Labour to prevent his own MPs wrecking gay marriage legislation.
The Prime Minister backed Labour’s calls for an immediate consultation on the future of civil partnerships once gay marriages are legalised.
This could either lead to them being extended to heterosexual couples or scrapped totally.
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Concerns: Prime Minister David Cameron had faced warnings that the Tory party was at risk of tearing itself apart over gay marriage and EuropeDespite the opposition of half the Tory backbenchers, the 11th-hour deal, a humiliation for the PM, means same-sex marriages could take place next summer.
Mr Cameron’s reliance on Labour to force the measure through highlighted his divisions with his backbenchers. Gay marriage has become the latest in a series of issues sparking friction between the PM and traditionalist Tories.
The legislation had looked to be in serious trouble yesterday as Labour threatened to vote to introduce civil partnerships for straight couples as well – a move which critics said could cost the Exchequer £4billion by extending pension rights and inheritance tax breaks.
Tory rebels were backing the move in an attempt to wreck the entire Bill.