UK Prime Minister Rejects Ban on First-Cousin Marriage Amid Health Concerns

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has declined to support a proposed ban on first-cousin marriage, despite warnings from his health secretary regarding the associated health risks. During a recent parliamentary debate, Conservative MP Richard Holden urged Starmer to reconsider his stance, calling for a legislative change to prohibit such marriages. Starmer, however, firmly dismissed the request, stating, “We’ve taken our position on that Bill, thank you.”

Holden, expressing frustration, challenged Starmer to “think again” about blocking the legislation. The Prime Minister’s office later communicated to Fox News that the government does not endorse first-cousin marriages but provided no rationale for opposing the ban. Media commentary has suggested a disconnect between public health concerns and legislative action. Journalist Cristo Foufas criticized the Labour Party for allegedly stalling on a bill to address what he described as a “medieval” practice.

Health Risks Highlighted by Officials

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has publicly acknowledged the dangers linked to first-cousin marriages, stating, “First-cousin marriages are high risk and unsafe; we see the genetic defects it causes, the harm that it causes.” Despite these concerns, Streeting stopped short of endorsing the ban, which has led to accusations of inconsistency within the Labour Party regarding its true position on the issue.

Holden has accused Labour of attempting to conceal its support for cousin marriages, claiming they are “trying to hide their secretive support for the practice.” This debate has gained traction, particularly because the Marriage (Prohibited Degrees of Relationship) Bill, first introduced by Holden in December 2024, has not progressed in over 395 days. Originally scheduled for a second reading in January 2025, the bill has yet to be revisited.

Historical Context and Community Impact

The legality of first-cousin marriage in England has a long history. It was banned for approximately 1,000 years until Henry VIII changed the law in 1540. Recent data highlights a significant prevalence of first-cousin marriages among British Pakistanis, with reports indicating that 43% of this demographic in inner-city Bradford engaged in such unions in 2023. Comparatively, the rate exceeds 80% in some rural areas of Pakistan.

Independent MP Iqbal Mohamed has voiced opposition to the bill, arguing that it could stigmatize certain communities. He advocates for education and genetic counseling as a more appropriate response to health concerns, rather than legislative measures.

The debate has attracted international scrutiny, with figures such as Sarah Rogers, under-secretary for public diplomacy at the U.S. State Department, recently criticizing the U.K. government’s position on this issue. As discussions continue, the implications of the proposed legislation remain a focal point of public and political interest.