As far as I know the UK does not legally recognise common-law marriage.
I think that's correct from what I have read. However, Wikipedia states: The term "common law marriage" has been used in England and Wales since the 1960s to refer to unmarried, cohabiting heterosexual relationships. However, this is merely a social usage.
We have been cohabiting, but according to what's been stated on this thread, we haven't been strictly legally cohabiting, so I guess I'd be stupid to try to pursue this option
Does my SPR not play any role in this? I really don't see the value in SPR, as far as I can see it has no value over the EP that I was on. I still feel like a foreigner with no rights. The reason I got my SPR was to make a statement that I want to feel less like a foreigner. Slightly off topic, and I'm not "getting my pants in a mess" or whatever that other poster said.
Thanks for all the advice. This forum is really good.