Driving into work today I was listening to Radio London proclaim this to be “the gayest of days”. To me it seems a long overdue step to a more inclusive society.

In an age when the office photocopier has a greater life than the average marriage in this country; where people bring children into this world on the merest whim the granting of equal rights for same sex couples should be a day for us all to rejoice.

Imagine being denied the ability to register the death of a partner of 40 years simply because you are in a gay relationship; of not being recognised under intestacy rules and loosing all that you had both worked for; of not having employment and pension benefits or no access to fatal accidents compensation.

Many of these people suffered simply because they wanted to be with the person they loved. At least from today they don’t have to, they have the same rights you and I simply take for granted.

So, to Graham Ferguson and Christopher Heyd-Smith, the first couple to announce their Civil Partnership in today’s Births, Marriages and Deaths columns of The Times (which has carried family announcements for almost 221 years) I raise a glass and wish you both the very best, and happiest, life together.