A powerful group of family solicitors is calling on the Government to make a commitment to giving cohabiting couples new financial protection if they split up, and to make time for an early Bill.

The lawyers are concerned that there is no undertaking from ministers that Britain’s two million cohabiting couples should have new rights to prevent hardship on separation. Their call comes as the Law Commission prepares to publish its long-awaited report on reforming the law for cohabitees, who have no rights for maintenance or asset sharing when they split.

The Law Commission will recommend that cohabitees should not usually have the same rights as married couples, who can often claim half the assets accrued during a marriage.

Speaking to The Times before the report’s publication David Allison, who represents the views of family solicitors, said that he wanted a clear signal that the law would be changed. “There are no real votes to be won or lost in it, and that makes us worried it will be kicked into the long grass,” he said.

Pressure for reform has grown as the number of couples choosing to cohabit has soared. Research suggests many wrongly believe that they already have financial protection.

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