Gay marriage support growing says Tory MP Nick Herbert

Plans to legalise same-sex marriage in England and Wales return to the Commons later, amid continuing opposition from some Conservative activists and MPs.

The Marriage Bill was approved by a 225-vote majority when it was last debated by MPs in February, but nearly half of all Tories voted against it.

One of the amendments tabled for debate involves extending civil partnerships to heterosexual couples.

Among the Conservatives supporting the bill is former Tory minister Nick Herbert, who is in a civil partnership: "Opinion polls are showing the majority of the country are in favour of this measure".