Labour considers ban on cousin marriage in the UK
Labour is contemplating support for legislation to ban first-cousin marriage in the United Kingdom, amid concerns that such unions are being used to “bypass the system,” reports BritPanorama.
The Ministry of Justice has acknowledged significant concerns regarding cousin unions and confirmed it will assess whether implementing a complete ban is the most effective response to the issue.
Shadow health minister Dr. Luke Evans is set to introduce a backbench bill in Parliament early next year in a renewed effort to outlaw the practice. A prior attempt by shadow transport secretary Richard Holden faced obstacles when his private member’s bill was blocked by Sir Keir Starmer’s government last year.
Mr. Holden has urged Prime Minister Andy Burnham not to be “unwilling” in supporting the upcoming proposals. While first-cousin unions account for under one per cent of total marriages nationwide, research indicates significantly higher rates within some communities.
Data from the Born in Bradford health study suggests that between 35 and 55 per cent of individuals of Pakistani heritage marry a first cousin. This study also highlighted developmental and health disparities associated with such unions.
Controlling for socioeconomic factors like poverty, children born to first cousins in Bradford face an 11 per cent risk of speech and language issues, compared to seven per cent for children of unrelated parents. Moreover, only 54 per cent of children from first-cousin marriages achieve a “good stage of development” by the government’s baseline assessment for five-year-olds in England, versus 64 per cent among children of non-relatives.
Mr. Holden told GB News: “Given cases like this, it’s quite clear to me that first cousin marriage is now being used as a way to try and bypass the normal immigration system, and I believe we need to act more swiftly.”
He urged for government support for Dr. Evans’ bill, stating, “This is something that whether you’re a Conservative voter or a Labour voter or a Reform voter or a liberal voter, right across the board, people want to see first cousin marriage banned.”
Mr. Holden expressed concerns that Labour was “unwilling to face down certain voices within certain communities.” He reported receiving numerous messages from the British-Pakistani community urging him to continue this campaign, indicating that the majority support a ban on cousin marriage.
Britain remains an outlier compared to several international peers regarding cousin marriage. Norway enacted a complete prohibition in 2024, and Sweden’s ban is set to be implemented this year. In the United States, 32 states prohibit first-cousin marriage, with eight classifying it as a criminal offence.
An MoJ spokesman stated: “We recognise the serious concerns that have been raised around this issue. Like any responsible government, we must evaluate whether legislation is the best solution to tackle this.”
As debates continue, the implications for cultural practices and public health are critical, suggesting the need for a nuanced approach to both legislation and community dialogue.
