Tag Archives: family

Later this afternoon Nick Clegg will deliver the third annual Relate Institute lecture, warning about the impact the recession is having on families and relationships, and stressing the important role relationships and commitment play in our society. He will also criticise Tory leader David Cameron for focussing obsessively on the legal institution of marriage. Here’s a section which crystallises Nick’s views:

… approach attaches real value to relationships, to commitment and to love, but does not seek to limit or prescribe what makes for a strong relationship.

I would not hesitate to say that relationships are important, that two parents will find life much easier than one, and that divorce and family breakdown hurt everyone involved, and can lead to many wider social problems from educational failure through to mental illness.

But I also believe gay and lesbian couples can be as good parents as heterosexual couples. I believe you don’t have to be married to be committed to your partner and that marriage is not a substitute for love, commitment and respect. And I believe a well-managed divorce can be far better than a miserable, angry or violent marriage.

None of this seems like rocket science. In many ways, I find it peculiar that the debate has been so polarised in recent years, when so much of this seems like common sense. There is a middle ground that recognises the reality of modern Britain without pretending that today’s complex families aren’t hard work. Tolerant of individual choices, but mindful of their consequences. Dealing with relationships as they really are, tailor-making support to fit with people’s circumstances.

These are the principles that will govern the Liberal Democrat approach to family and relationships policy. We believe the state’s job is to relieve the pressure on people at difficult times, offering a helping hand when it’s needed.

You can read the full text of Nick’s speech below: