Cabinet 'pro-marriage statement' delayed

A key Cabinet committee set up to support the institution of marriage has been broadened to include all relationships in its discussions, amid dissent over family policy.

The Ministerial Group on the Family, set up by Tony Blair in 1997, was aimed at helping parents, particularly those whose marriages are in difficulty.

Today leaked e-mails were revealed between the Home Office and the Education Department suggesting ministers are worried about speaking publicly in favour of marriage because of a Cabinet split over family policy.

The emails, sent last autumn, discuss which government minister, if any, should address a conference organised by the Family Matters Institute, a Christian promarriage charity. So far, no minister has agreed to do so.

A spokeswoman said today the Home Office never comments on leaked documents, but added: "The Home Secretary doesn't believe it is the job of the Government to hector or dictate to people their particular form of relationship. He does believe... marriage is the best form of union in relation to the raising of children."