§ Lord Tebbitasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are satisfied that all persons, whether homosexual or heterosexual, enjoy the same rights as married persons to nominate others for admission or settlement to the United Kingdom.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Williams of Mostyn)No. It is a fundamental principle of the Immigration Rules that someone already settled in the United Kingdom may bring their spouse into the United Kingdom to join them, subject to meeting clear tests as to the genuineness of the marriage and the financial capacity of the couple. The policy which was announced on 10 October, is a concession, outside the Immigration Rules, for those unmarried partners who are legally unable to marry. The criteria to be met by those seekingto benefit from the concession are much more stringent than those applicable to married people under the Immigration Rules.