CHRISTCHURCH MP Sir Christopher Chope gave his backing to proposals to allow opposite sex couples to enter a civil partnership.

The change in legislation, which was put forward as a private members' bill (PMB) by Tim Loughton MP, was discussed in the House of Commons on Friday.

Sir Christopher, who was at the centre of controversy over a PMB earlier this year, said he "despaired" at the way the Government had been "dragging their feet" on delivering the change in the law.

"For five years people have been in limbo while the Government have connived over legislation that is at odds with human rights requirements under the European convention," Sir Christopher said.

"I hope that when the new clause and amendment are put to the vote, they will go through without a division, but if there is a division, I will be interested to see whether the Government try to argue against what the Prime Minister has already assured us of – namely, that the Government are on the side of the proposal in the new clause."

MPs approved the bill at the third reading stage and it will now go to debate in the House of Lords.