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Labour plans reform of co-habiting law to give women more rights when couples split as Emily Thornberry says they should not be forced to marry or stay in unhappy relationship to avoid ending up 'on the streets'

Related Topics: Emily Thornberry

Unmarried women would be given more rights to financial support when relationships change in sweeping changes to co-habiting laws under a Labour government, Emily Thornberry said today.

The shadow attorney general used her conference speech to lash out at rules that currently mean they can end up on the street if they leave or are thrown out of the family home.

She told delegates in Liverpool that the party would reform the law so women who do not own a share of the family property do not have to stay in unhappy or abusive relationships - and even marry - just to feel financially secure.