Parliament hosts first gay marriage

The Palace of Westminster hosted its first civil partnership ceremony this weekend as Europe minister Chris Bryant tied the knot with partner Jared Cranney.

The couple exchanged vows at a ceremony in the Members' Dining Room after Speaker John Bercow secured the necessary licence from the Westminster City Council.

Following the event, Mr Bryant and his partner issued a statement thanking Mr Bercow and Leader of the Commons Harriet Harman for helping with their big day.

They said: "We never thought this day would come - and never thought we'd have to worry about cakes and flowers and rings. It's amazing how much things have changed in such a short time."

The Civil Partnership Act 2004 gave same-sex couples the right to formalise their union and have the same legal and inheritance rights as other married couples.

On becoming the first couple to have first same-sex union in the Houses of Parliament, Mr Bryant and Mr Cranney said: "Parliament is special because it has made it possible. We are delighted that everyone in the UK can now share in a privilege that used to be available just to straight MPs."

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