to think Ed Milliband should have married his partner before having their 2nd child?

[Gooftroop]

One child, fine. Maybe it was a surprise, these things happen, marriage is so yesterday, no problem. But to go on building a family without legally committing himself to his partner ... I am unimpressed. AIBU?

TIFFANY - love it, very true.

By the way, Ed didn't bother to put his name on first child's birth certificate either.

Looks like an indecisive commitment phobic. Otherwise, I like the guy just fine.

Forgot to say - YES YABU!

it affects how I think of him as a politician.

Trillian, I have no problem if PM is single or gay. And as I said, I not have problem with him having a baby and not being married. But I do - very slightly - question his judgement going forward with building a family without legal commitment to his partner (it doesn't even need to be marriage).

Insofar as it affects my thinking of him, I am pleased.

We all know he's not on the first childs birtn certificate...Old news. This is something he is rectifying when he goes to register his new born.

Again can you explain why being married is important if he wants to be PM?

It doesn't bother me but politically it would probably have been a good move.

Oh for heavens sake. How do you know about his 'legal commitments', ffs? They've doubtless got wills and all sorts. She's quite astute, you know, she's a lawyer and everything.

How do you know he has no legal commitment to his partner? Are you their solicitor?

And why is your disgust not aimed at his partner who I like to believe has just as much say in this decision as him.

'It's a marriage, not a magic spell against things going wrong.'

Bloody brilliant! :)

YABVVVVVVVVU

YABU

Given that Justine Thornton is a barrister, one imagines they have some idea about the legal position, so don't worry yourself. As to any other considerations - none of your business.

If the conversations chez Miliband are anything like the ones in the Inferiority Complex they'll go something like:

Him: So why won't you marry me?
Her: I just can't face marrying anyone. Nothing personal or anything.
Him: But I bought you a ring and everything.
Her: Yes, darling, it's a lovely ring. All sparkly. Look, I'm wearing it. But I just can't face getting married.

My current ploy is that I'll only do it if we can have Stand by your man played. The Lyle Lovett cover.

Well, speaking as a marriage-free person with two children, I think you are being very unreasonable.

Jaquelinehyde - I'm NOT disgusted. Far from it. Just think it looks a bit .... wishy washy. Sorry, but I do. Someone in his position ....

I still like the guy ok. I don't think he should be arrested or anything. Just looks a bit ... wet. Sorry.

What, for taking up with a strong-minded bird who probably spent her teens thinking about a law career rather than wedding dresses?

Love the idea that dc 1 must have been a mistake 'surprise' btw. Great judgy pants. I can see you hitching up your vast Les-Dawson-dressed-as-a-woman bosom as you type it.

I agree - YABVU. It is their business and anyway, about 50% of children are now born 'out of wedlock'

But would say that although it is their choice and I don't think anyone should get married if they don't want to (I had strong objections to the whole marriage thing that had nothing to do with how I feel about dh), the way the law works in this country it is likely that the children would be disadvantaged if the couple split or one dies. There are BIG financial implications for unmarried couples and their children. But still, given Ed Milibands job would hope he is aware of these and has planned for them!

Would he impress you more if he clubbed her over the head and marched her to the nearest registry office to Make Her His?

OP, has it occurred to you that he may have proposed and his very intelligent, aware, legally savvy barrister partner may have declined?

I agree with the OP. It may be old-fashioned but so what? Marriage shows commitment. If you can't spend £100 and an hour in a registry office to show that you are commited, then maybe question why you are so against marriage?

Oops, must have clicked on '1950' by mistake