Valentine's Day is approaching, love is in the air and marriage has once again been hailed as the cornerstone of a stable society.

UK Opposition leader William Hague insists a successful society needs a large proportion of people in happy marriages.

Marriages lower the crime rate, improve people's education and their chances of finding work, he claims, and to underline his beliefs he has pledged to put the importance of marriage at the heart of the next Conservative Party manifesto.

Is he right?

Nelson Mandela, the Prince of Wales, the person next door - divorce is everywhere, and does it really matter?

Is it realistic in this day and age to expect two people to stay together for a lifetime? Is it what nature intended?

And what is worse? Divorce or a marriage staying together "for the family". And in any event, has it got anything to do with politicians?

Or is Mr Hague right to pinpoint marriage as a key factor in the success of a nation?

Tell us what you think now.

Does society need marriage?

Your reaction in full

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