Divorce Bill is ‘abolition of marriage vow’ says Tory MP

GOVERNMENT reforms to divorce laws were condemned last night as “the effective abolition of the marriage vow” by an MP who worked for Boris Johnson in Downing Street until eight months ago, as they passed a major hurdle in the House of Commons.

MPS voted to approve changes which mean that a “no fault” divorce could be granted to a couple after a wait of just six months rather than after a separation by agreement lasting two years.

The changes also allow one partner to instigate divorce proceedings and start a 20 week “reflection period” before the divorce can be granted, without notifying their spouse.

Tory MPS have condemned the reforms as ill-timed because many marriages are under stress in the coronavirus lockdown. Danny Kruger, who was elected as MP for Devizes in

December’s election, told the Commons last night: “What is really proposed here isn’t just a speeding up of no-fault divorce, but the effective abolition of the marriage vow.

“In trying to remove hypocrisy at the end of marriage, we are introducing hypocrisy at the start. In the attempt to improve the integrity of the law the Government is undermining the integrity of marriage.”

Mr Kruger, who was Mr Johnson’s political secretary until November last year, was one of 12 Conservative MPS who voted against the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill at second reading in the Commons, including Robin Millar, Philip Davies, Sir Christopher Chope, Sally-ann Hart, Sir John Hayes and Fiona Bruce.

Their rebellion failed to stop the Bill progressing as it was approved at second reading by 231 votes to 16. The rebels claimed another 30 Tory MP asked Government whips to be allowed to abstain so they would not have to vote in favour of the legislation.