Vote on same sex marriage

MPs are due to vote on plans for gay marriage this evening - a vote which has split political - and public - opinion. If passed the bill would allow same sex couples to marry in both civil - and some religious - ceremonies.

It's a step further than Civil Partnerships - and gives them the same rights as other married couples. Charlotte Wilkins has our report.

Ayes to the right 400, Noes to the left 175, Majority is 225.

Former Defence Minister Sir Gerald Howarth, Conservative MP for Aldershot, has said he "hopes and prays" the same-sex marriage plans are thrown out.

MPs are due to vote on plans for gay marriage - a vote which has split opinions. If passed the bill would allow same sex couples to marry in both civil and some religious ceremonies. Charlotte Wilkins has our report.

The Conservative MP for Arundel and South Downs, Nick Herbert, has led the campaign in Parliament for sex-same marriage.

The North Thanet MP Sir Roger Gale is one of the fiercest critics of same-sex marriage.

The Banbury MP Sir Tony Baldry has spoken about his opposition to same-sex marriage. He speaks in the Commons on behalf of the Church of England, as Second Church Estates Commissioner.

The Conservative MP for East Worthing and Shoreham Tim Loughton - the former Children's Minister - has voiced his opposition to same-sex marriage. He intervened in a speech by Labour's Equalities spokesperson Yvette Cooper.

The debate on legalising gay marriage has begun in the House of Commons. The Culture Secretary, Maria Miller, who is the MP for Basingstoke, has been explaining the legislation.

She faced questions from MPs, including Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham), Caroline Lucas (Brighton Pavilion), Sir Gerald Howarth (Aldershot) and Julian Brazier (Canterbury).