Fridae

Gay and lesbian couples in England and Wales will be able to adopt children in a major U-turn by Tony Blair's government yesterday while the Scottish Executive is now expected to follow suit, according to the Edinburgh Evening News.

At present, gay men and lesbians can only adopt as single parents while couples are required to be married if they wanted to adopt a child. Under the new adoption plans, social workers will be given the powers to decide if gay or unmarried couples have a stable and fit relationship in which to bring up a child.

Health Secretary Alan Milburn made last-minute amendments to the Adoption and Children Bill and said hopes that the change will "widen the pool of prospective parents" so that more of the 60,000 children in care can find loving homes.

Prime Minister Tony Blair supported and approved the move despite the conservatives and family campaigners pledging to lead a fight against the changes. Oliver Letwin, the Shadow Home Secretary, said the Conservatives would fight any plan to allow unmarried couples to adopt - whether gay or straight.

The Catholic Church is also strongly opposed to the move.

A spokesman said: "Gay adoptions introduce a sliding scale of instability. It has been shown to lead to psychological problems."

Milburn denied that the government was under pressure from gay or liberal pressure groups while Blair is reportedly a strong believer in the use of adoption for vulnerable children before fall into crime, drugs and early sexual behaviour resulting in pregnancy or prostitution.

"This is not about extending the right to adopt to anyone. What it is about is extending the right of more children to be adopted," Milburn said.

Last year, almost 5000 children are on waiting lists for adoption but just 3400 were found new parents.

MPs will have a free vote on an amendment to the Adoption Bill going through Parliament which will end the restriction on adoption to married couples.