Marriages between first cousins should be banned in the UK on health grounds, according to a Tory MP.
Philip Davies (Shipley) raised the issue in the House of Commons during health questions.
He asked the Government if it will take steps to reduce the number of children born with “genetic problems” due to such marriages.
He said: “Given the severe medical conditions that are caused by first cousin marriages isn’t it about time that the Government actually considered the only proper solution to this which is outlawing first cousin marriages in this country?”
Health Minister Jane Ellison described the issue as “complex” and said she is “aware there is an increased risk of recessive genetic conditions in births that occur as a result of first cousin marriages”.
“Such a change in the law wouldn’t be for the Department of Health,” she said.
