Lucinda Brown and Miles Spencer at Islington Town Hall in the early hours of New Year’s Day

THE first heterosexual couple in the UK were joined on New Year’s Eve in civil partnership at Islington Town Hall, marking a “small step away from a patriarchal society”.

Lucinda Brown and Miles Spencer were legally united in a ceremony at just past midnight on Tuesday, minutes after it became legal for heterosexual – also known as “mixed-sex” – couples to enter into civil partnerships.

It has been legal for same-sex couples to enter into civil partnerships instead of marrying since 2005, allowing them to benefit from the legal perks of marriage including tax breaks on properties and inheritance as well as more protection for men if the couple have children.

Ms Brown said: “We hope that this small step away from a patriarchal society will later mean equality in other walks of life. We know that the government were very keen on equal pension rights but, sadly, they have not been so proactive when it comes to equal pay for women.

She added: “Saying that, we always celebrate the small steps as we hope for a better, more caring and equal society, so it was very special to us.”

The couple have been together for 15 years.

The ceremony at the Town Hall

Ms Brown added: “We’ve have had the same commitment to each other as married couples but only now is that legally recognised.

“Thanks to all those that made that possible. It was an amazing night to share with our friends, family and the amazing crew at Islington Council.”

It became legal for mixed-sex couples to have civil ceremonies after Rebecca Steinfield and Charles Keidan won a five-year legal battle in the Supreme Court in 2018.

The campaigners were married in Kensington and Chelsea town hall on Tuesday.

Ms Brown said: “Miles and I are delighted to ­benefit from the hard work of Rebecca and Charles, who fought tirelessly for equality.”

She added: “We massively respect and appreciate their work which enabled us to celebrate our partnership on equal terms.”

Cynthia Green, who presided over the ceremony, said: “I couldn’t be prouder to officiate at this wonderful, poignant ceremony with two fantastic people who have fought for what they believe in.”

About 84,000 mixed-sex couples could form civil partnerships next year, the government says.

An Islington Council spokesman said: “Huge congratulations to Lucinda and Miles.”