Civil partnership law win

A heterosexual couple fighting a law that prevents them entering into a civil partnership have called on the government to “act with urgency” after winning a legal battle at the UK’S highest court.

Rebecca Steinfeld and Charles Keidan said they were “elated” following yesterday’s declaration by the Supreme Court the existing legislation was “incompatible” with human rights laws.

Ms Steinfeld, 37, said: “Today we are a step closer to opening civil partnerships to all, a measure that would be fair, popular and good for families and children across the country.”

The couple, who have two young daughters and live in Hammersmith, are prevented from having a legal union through the route of civil partnership because the Civil Partnership Act 2004 says only same-sex couples are eligible.

Five Supreme Court justices granted the declaration.