In the last few months, the Conservatives have been looking carefully at social justice in Britain. The causes of family breakdown are a primary focus because of the upset, distress and damage caused, not only, to those involved, but also to so many others. 

It is quite clear that debt, drugs, and alcohol dependence all play a big part in family breakdown, but what is becoming clear is the extent to which the Government has also played a part.  The benefits system that Gordon Brown has put in place acts as a disincentive to getting back to work as those offered a job or a promotion lose more in benefits than they get from working.  It also provides a clear incentive for parents to pretend to live apart as they would be penalised by living together.

So the Conservatives have been looking at ways to avoid penalising those couples who choose to get married.  When the statistics show that married couples with children are far more likely to stay together than unmarried couples, this is an issue which must be examined carefully.  If there is any evidence that the State might be keeping people apart and contributing to family breakdown we must review and change the dynamics of the current system immediately. 

Of course, it is not just married couples with children who need support – a recent UNICEF study showed that Britain is currently the worst country in the developed world to bring up a child – but I am pleased that we are standing up for those parents who want to get together and stay together for themselves and their children.  There is a better way.