A new British law could lead to a ‘spike’ in divorces, but the rate is ultimately like to “remain much the same”, the UK’s justice secretary has said.

David Gauke said people were holding off on getting divorced until the law changed leading to an increase “in the waiting list”. Nonetheless, he said it was vital the reforms were made to end the divorce “blame game”.

The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Bill removes the need, in England and Wales, to find fault in order to start proceedings immediately.

Some MPs were less supportive of the bill, emphasising their belief in the importance of couples staying together. Conservative Fiona Bruce said there was evidence that “even in argumentative” relationships, the stability of marriage benefitted many children. More than half of marriages that end in divorce are low-conflict.