The first ever National Health Service genomics strategy, published in October 2022, seeks to drive equity in access to genomic testing. One of the ways NHS England is driving equity in access to genomic testing is through the roll out of culturally competent genetics services for consanguineous couples.

Culturally competent genetics services for consanguineous couples aims to improve access to genomics services for underserved groups and give families the opportunity to make informed reproductive decisions, whilst respecting their culture, values and beliefs. Through the Equity & Equality Guidance for Local Maternity & Neonatal Services, NHS England will provide around £2.7 million of funding over three years to improve access to culturally sensitive care for families in high need areas and to make available training and support for all health and care professionals.

The information requested is not held centrally and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

According to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics:

(a) In 2015, a total of 861 civil partnerships were formed in England and Wales.

(b) 7,732 couples in England and Wales converted their existing civil partnership into a marriage between 10 December 2014 and 30 June 2015.

(c) A total of 7,366 marriages were formed in England and Wales between same sex couples between 29 March 2014 (when the legislation came into effect) and 30 June 2015.

This information is available online at: http://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages.

I am aware that there is an increased risk of recessive genetic conditions in births that occur as a result of first cousin marriages. It is a complex issue, and other factors are also significant, but experienced health professionals use some well-established tools and materials. Specialist clinicians in my hon. Friend’s area are looking at this important issue.

Such a change in the law would not be for the Department of Health. Let me respond to my hon. Friend’s specific point about the particular localised challenges. He might be interested to know that in May 2012 a major conference was held at Leeds town hall, with groups drawn from across the area he represents and from the wider West Yorkshire area to look at these issues. As he knows, I have already written to the public health director in Bradford asking what is being done locally to address this issue, and I suggest that it would be useful if my hon. Friend followed up on that. I would be happy to hear how that conversation goes.

I cannot give my hon. Friend a specific answer, but I would be very happy to get back to him because I know there has been some local discussion about this in the city that he represents. I know of the issues to which he refers.