Should the UK join Scandinavia in banning cousin marriages?

In recent months, the UK government has faced increasing pressure to ban marriages between cousins. This movement has gained momentum following legislative actions in several Scandinavian countries, such as Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, which have enacted laws prohibiting cousin marriages due to public health concerns. On December 4, 2024, Tory MP Richard Holden raised a question directed at the justice secretary, seeking an assessment of the implications and potential advantages of prohibiting consanguineous marriages within the UK. Holden expressed serious worries regarding health risks associated with offspring of biological relatives, citing studies that suggest a notable percentage of child deaths in cities like Bradford, Birmingham, and Redbridge result from genetic disorders linked to consanguinity. Historically, cousin marriages have been accepted in various cultures and societies, with their popularity rooted in familial wealth preservation and social cohesion. Up until the present day, cousin marriages have remained prevalent in specific regions worldwide, particularly among communities in South Asia, North Africa, and the Middle East. It is estimated that 10 to 15% of newborns globally have consanguineous parents due to cultural traditions that maintain such unions. In the UK, a study involving 13,500 families from 2007 to 2011 indicated that approximately 60% of couples with Pakistani heritage are either first cousins, second cousins, or other blood relatives. However, a subsequent study from 2016 to 2020 documented a sharp decline in cousin marriage rates among these groups, dropping from 60% to 40%. Among UK-born Pakistani couples, rates were even lower at around 30%. Despite the decreased rates of consanguineous marriages, cultural stigma and societal attitudes surrounding these unions remain a sensitive issue. Many individuals in cousin marriages often choose to keep their relationships private due to the discomfort surrounding the topic in Western cultures, making it challenging to discuss family dynamics openly. As the debate around cousin marriages unfolds, it is evident that the British Pakistani community is actively engaging in discussions about the implications and challenges of such unions, demonstrating a cultural shift regardless of the legal framework governing cousin marriage in the UK. The recent parliamentary discourse provoked by Richard Holden's inquiry indicates the UK government may be considering legislative changes regarding cousin marriages. As underscored by Alex Davies-Jones, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Justice, the topic will be reviewed, yet some critiques suggest it may not lead to immediate action. The ongoing conversation surrounding cousin marriages and their consequences reflects a broader public discourse regarding health, cultural practices, and legislative responsibility that continues to evolve in the UK society's context.