Well that was time and money well spent by the feminist harridan and her

[Burney]

You know what family can be like about this stuff. My mum would be upset if I got married but didn't have a wedding. A civil partnership would be easier to explain away .

'Yeah, mum, I couldn't face spending any money or time on you and the rest of the family, so I just had one of those civil partnership doodads instead. Hope you don't mind?'

I'm sure she'd be delighted.