Overview

• NHS England’s Genomics Education Programme published educational material acknowledging a modestly higher genetic risk for children of first cousins and advising public-health measures rather than criminalisation.
• Critics including Conservative MP Richard Holden condemned the stance as politically motivated and urged legislation to outlaw first-cousin marriage.
• Reports note a Bill to prohibit such marriages is currently before Parliament, with its supporters arguing a ban is necessary on health, integration and women’s rights grounds.
• A YouGov poll reported this year found 77% of Britons think first-cousin marriage should not be legal, indicating broad public backing for a ban.
• Coverage cites data highlighting higher local prevalence in some British Pakistani communities, including Born in Bradford findings and city figures linking a notable share of congenital cases to Pakistani heritage, with some critics alleging significant NHS costs.