Overview

• National Child Mortality Database figures for 2023–24 link close-relative marriage to the deaths or ill health of 72 infants under one, compared with 27 infant deaths tied to substance misuse in pregnancy, with a further 55 deaths recorded among children aged one to 17.
• NHS England’s Genomics Education Programme posted guidance on September 22 noting a general congenital-disorder risk of 2–3% rising to about 4–6% for children of first cousins, then removed the piece by September 29 after criticism.
• Health Secretary Wes Streeting called the guidance shocking and demanded an apology, as MPs including Richard Holden and Robert Jenrick pressed for a ban while others, such as MP Iqbal Mohamed, argued for education and genetic counselling.
• A YouGov survey reported that 77% of Britons support making first-cousin marriage illegal, yet the practice remains permitted under the Marriage Act 1949 and the government has stated no current plans to change the law.
• Separate analysis reported by the Mail on Sunday found areas with higher rates of cousin marriage show significantly higher disability-benefit claims, suggesting broader social and economic impacts.