More than 3.5 million cohabiting couples would gain automatic rights to a share of their partner's home and finances if one of them dies under new Government proposals.

The proposed rights are intended to be 'distinct and different' from those of married people, to help 'preserve the sanctity of marriage', according to the Government.

More than 3.5 million cohabiting couples would gain automatic rights to a share of their partner's home and finances if one of them dies under new Government proposals.