It is virtually impossible to adopt babies here in the UK, only 60 were adopted in 2013, as mothers know what help they can get. The older the couple wanting to adopt the less likely they will be considered for a baby. It's about 38 - 40+ years old that social workers won't agree to a couple adopting a baby so there is no chance of you two adopting one. You partner will find this out the hard way if you do go ahead with adopting.
We had thought about adopting years ago but around that time we first heard about forced adoption of older children so we started doing our research. It shocked us and we have since got to know parents who have had social workers involved with them for years and those whose children have been taken into care. Some have been adopted, some are still in care and others who have got their children back. We were scared that we would end up adopting children through forced adoption even though it is illegal but social workers get away with it.