Sir Keir Starmer has signalled that he would block any attempt to ban first cousin marriage, a practice which remains prevalent in some UK communities – despite the genetic damage it can potentially do to offspring.
In Bradford, one of northern England’s biggest cities, nearly half (46 per cent) of the female Pakistani community were in a ‘consanguineous relationship’ meaning they have a common ancestor, a 2024 study found.
Independent MP Iqbal Mohamed drew huge flak in December last year after speaking against former Conservative minister Richard Holden’s motion pushing to ban first cousins from marrying.
