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To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 14 July 2026 to Question 15459 on Marriage: Family Relations, for what reason overseas polygamous marriages are treated differently from marriages between an (a) uncle and niece and (b) aunt and nephew.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 14 July 2026 to Question 15459 on Marriage: Family Relations, for what reason overseas polygamous marriages are treated differently from marriages between an (a) uncle and niece and (b) aunt and nephew.
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, pursuant to WPQ 12787 answered on 11 November 2024 about Marriage, Relatives, whether he has commissioned advice on whether placing restrictions on first cousin marriage would require changes to the Sexual Offences Act 2003.
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, pursuant to WPQ 12787 answered on 11 November 2024 about Marriage, Relatives, whether he has commissioned advice on whether placing restrictions on first cousin marriage would require changes to the Sexual Offences Act 2003.
The Government has announced that it intends to reform weddings law when parliamentary time allows.
The reforms are intended to make weddings law fairer, simpler and more modern, whilst protecting the dignity and significance of marriage. The aim is to launch a consultation before summer recess, which begins on 16 July 2026. It will focus on how people get married, rather than who is legally permitted to marry.
As set out in the answer of 11 November 2024, the Sexual Offences Act 2003 makes sexual activity with certain family members a criminal offence, but this does not include first cousins. Placing restrictions on first cousin marriage would require changes to the Marriage Act 1949 and could potentially require changes to the Sexual Offences Act 2003.
While the evidence is limited, it does suggest that there may be an increased risk of congenital birth defects to children whose parents are first cousins. We welcome evidence suggesting that the number of first cousins choosing to marry in England is declining.
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to WPQ 12787 answered on 11 November 2024 on Marriage: Relatives, what recent progress he has made on considering [i] marriage law and [ii] placing restrictions on marriages between first cousins.
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to WPQ 12787 answered on 11 November 2024 on Marriage: Relatives, what recent progress he has made on considering [i] marriage law and [ii] placing restrictions on marriages between first cousins.
The Government has announced that it intends to reform weddings law when parliamentary time allows.
The reforms are intended to make weddings law fairer, simpler and more modern, whilst protecting the dignity and significance of marriage. The aim is to launch a consultation before summer recess, which begins on 16 July 2026. It will focus on how people get married, rather than who is legally permitted to marry.
As set out in the answer of 11 November 2024, the Sexual Offences Act 2003 makes sexual activity with certain family members a criminal offence, but this does not include first cousins. Placing restrictions on first cousin marriage would require changes to the Marriage Act 1949 and could potentially require changes to the Sexual Offences Act 2003.
While the evidence is limited, it does suggest that there may be an increased risk of congenital birth defects to children whose parents are first cousins. We welcome evidence suggesting that the number of first cousins choosing to marry in England is declining.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what his Department's policy is on recognising for social security purposes marriages between an uncle and niece legally contracted overseas where the couple are resident in England and Wales.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what his Department's policy is on recognising for social security purposes marriages between an uncle and niece legally contracted overseas where the couple are resident in England and Wales.
A marriage between an uncle and niece falls within the prohibited degrees of relationship set out in Part 1 of Schedule 1 to the Marriage Act 1949 and, by virtue of section 1(1) of that Act, is void for all purposes in England and Wales. There is similar legislation in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of current pension regulations in allowing individuals to nominate (a) cohabiting siblings and (b) other non-spousal family members as beneficiaries of survivor pension benefits; and whether his Department has made an...
To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of current pension regulations in allowing individuals to nominate (a) cohabiting siblings and (b) other non-spousal family members as beneficiaries of survivor pension benefits; and whether his Department has made an...
The rules vary from scheme to scheme, but the majority of schemes will provide some form of survivor benefit for dependants in the event of a member's death. These may be payable to surviving spouses, civil partners or unmarried partners (often with a financial dependency or inter-dependency requirement for the latter), and dependent children, depending on the scheme rules. Some scheme rules also allow for trustee discretion to be used on individual cases.
The rules governing what surviving spouses, or partners might receive following the death of a member are set out in individual scheme rules and in any overriding legislation.
There are no current plans to change current legislation.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to WPQ 106603 answered on 26 January 2026 about Marriage Relatives, what recent discussions the National Disease Registration Service has had with hospital trusts on improve the quality and completeness of data arising from health issues due to...
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to WPQ 106603 answered on 26 January 2026 about Marriage Relatives, what recent discussions the National Disease Registration Service has had with hospital trusts on improve the quality and completeness of data arising from health issues due to...
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 9 June 2026 to Question 1717 on Cousin Marriage, if he will publish (a) the current guidance (b) the current training materials, and (c) any amended versions of (i) guidance and (ii) training materials...
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 9 June 2026 to Question 1717 on Cousin Marriage, if he will publish (a) the current guidance (b) the current training materials, and (c) any amended versions of (i) guidance and (ii) training materials...
The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 9 June 2026 to Question 1717 on Marriage: Relatives, whether copies of the amended training materials are publicly available; and if he will place copies of those materials in the Library.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 9 June 2026 to Question 1717 on Marriage: Relatives, whether copies of the amended training materials are publicly available; and if he will place copies of those materials in the Library.
The amended training materials are available at the following link:
https://learninghub.nhs.uk/Catalogue/close-relative-marriage
These materials are available to view; however, a log-in is required to access these, and anyone can register for an account.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what the status is of the NHS investigation into inappropriate wording referring to the potential benefits of cousin marriage; and whether the outcome of that investigation has resulted in amendments to (a) guidance and (b) training materials.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what the status is of the NHS investigation into inappropriate wording referring to the potential benefits of cousin marriage; and whether the outcome of that investigation has resulted in amendments to (a) guidance and (b) training materials.
The medical evidence is clear that first cousin marriages are high risk, and we know the genetic defects and harm that they can cause. The Department has worked with NHS England to understand how previous materials that referred to the potential benefits of cousin marriage were developed, and to ensure such issues do not arise in future. This investigation has concluded, which found that some aspects of the training were inappropriate. Relevant training materials were retired or amended prior to the investigation, so no further amendments were required.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the Answer of 10 March 2026 to Question 108307 on Marriage: Relatives, whether the internal review has concluded; and if he plans to publish its findings.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the Answer of 10 March 2026 to Question 108307 on Marriage: Relatives, whether the internal review has concluded; and if he plans to publish its findings.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what information his Department holds on the number of marriages between uncle and niece legally contracted overseas by people now residing in England and Wales.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what information his Department holds on the number of marriages between uncle and niece legally contracted overseas by people now residing in England and Wales.
The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.
A response to the Rt. Hon gentleman’s Parliamentary Question of 14th May is attached.
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what information her Department holds on the number of marriages between uncle and niece legally contracted overseas by people now residing in England and Wales.
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what information her Department holds on the number of marriages between uncle and niece legally contracted overseas by people now residing in England and Wales.
The Ministry of Justice does not collect data on overseas marriages.
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what information his Department holds on the number of marriages between uncle and niece legally contracted overseas by people now residing in England and Wales.
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what information his Department holds on the number of marriages between uncle and niece legally contracted overseas by people now residing in England and Wales.
The Ministry of Justice does not collect data on overseas marriages.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the Freedom of Information response reference FOI-251202287377 of 9 January 2026, if he will place a copy of the training modules on close relative marriage and genetic risk for (a) midwives and (b) health visitors in...
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the Freedom of Information response reference FOI-251202287377 of 9 January 2026, if he will place a copy of the training modules on close relative marriage and genetic risk for (a) midwives and (b) health visitors in...
The NHS Learning Hub originally had five training modules on close relative marriage and genetic risk. Three of these modules were retired in October 2025. The remaining two modules were subsequently updated and can be found online on the NHS Learning Hub, which is available at the following link:
https://learninghub.nhs.uk/Catalogue/close-relative-marriage
The guidance on submitting data on consanguinity and pregnancy to the Maternity Services Dataset can be found on the NHS England Digital website, which is at the following link:
There are currently no plans to place a copy of the training modules on close relative marriage and genetic risk or a copy of the guidance on submitting data on consanguinity and pregnancy to the Commons Library as these are publicly available.
To ask the Right hon. Member for Kenilworth and Southam, representing the Speaker’s Committee on the Electoral Commission, pursuant to the Answer of 4 March 2026 to Question 116224, whether the Electoral Commission plans to undertake research on the relationship between biradari networks, first cousin marriage and electoral fraud.
To ask the Right hon. Member for Kenilworth and Southam, representing the Speaker’s Committee on the Electoral Commission, pursuant to the Answer of 4 March 2026 to Question 116224, whether the Electoral Commission plans to undertake research on the relationship between biradari networks, first cousin marriage and electoral fraud.
The Electoral Commission does not plan to research the relationship between biradari networks, first cousin marriage and electoral fraud.
Despite very low levels of proven electoral fraud in the UK, it is a matter the Commission takes seriously. It publishes annual data from police services on allegations of electoral fraud, and runs a fraud prevention and awareness campaign each year. It works closely with the electoral community and the Police to prevent, detect and take action against electoral fraud.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when NHS England’s investigation into guidance and training materials relating to marriage between close relatives began; which guidance, training modules and programmes are within scope of that investigation; and when he expects its findings to be concluded and published.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when NHS England’s investigation into guidance and training materials relating to marriage between close relatives began; which guidance, training modules and programmes are within scope of that investigation; and when he expects its findings to be concluded and published.
The internal review in response to recent concerns that National Health Service guidance stated the benefits of close relative marriage began on 19 January 2026. All public documents which constitute training modules, or guidance regarding marriage between close relatives is in scope. The findings will be concluded shortly.
To ask the Right hon. Member for Kenilworth and Southam, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, with reference to the Electoral Commission report by the Universities of Manchester and Liverpool, Understanding electoral fraud vulnerability in Pakistani and Bangladeshi origin communities in England, published 2015, whether the Electoral Commission...
To ask the Right hon. Member for Kenilworth and Southam, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, with reference to the Electoral Commission report by the Universities of Manchester and Liverpool, Understanding electoral fraud vulnerability in Pakistani and Bangladeshi origin communities in England, published 2015, whether the Electoral Commission...
The report referenced, “Understanding electoral fraud vulnerability in Pakistani and Bangladeshi origin communities in England”, was an independent academic report prepared for the Electoral Commission. It does not represent the Commission’s views. The Commission has not assessed the impact of first cousin marriage on electoral fraud.
‘Electoral fraud’ is used to refer to cases where someone has committed, or is alleged to have committed, specific electoral law offences. Although the UK has very low levels of proven electoral fraud, the Commission takes this issue seriously and knows from its public opinion research that it concerns some voters. Fraud, and the perception of fraud, undermines democracy and weakens the UK’s strong tradition of free and fair elections.
The Commission does not have a direct role in investigating allegations of electoral fraud; this is carried out by the police.
The Commission does have an important role in tackling electoral fraud and ensuring safeguards are in place across the electoral community. The Commission collects and publishes data from police forces across the UK on allegations of electoral fraud, so that the public has transparency over these figures. The Commission runs a campaign aimed at raising awareness of and helping prevent electoral fraud, in partnership with Crimestoppers.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what role his Department played in the development, approval, or distribution of guidance to NHS midwives which stated that consanguineous marriage had “benefits” and that the prevalence of genetic defects among children born to consanguineous couples was “exaggerated”.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what role his Department played in the development, approval, or distribution of guidance to NHS midwives which stated that consanguineous marriage had “benefits” and that the prevalence of genetic defects among children born to consanguineous couples was “exaggerated”.
These phrases were not included in any guidance issued by the National Health Service. They were included in training materials which also made clear the genetic risk associated with close relative marriage.
The Department had no role in the development, approval, or distribution of the training materials which included these phrases. The training materials were retired in 2025.
We fully recognise the genetic risks of consanguineous relationships, and we offer referral to genetics services so individuals understand the risks and can make informed decisions.
We are working with the NHS to look into how this training was developed, and to make sure it never happens again.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his department plans to issue guidance on the potential risks of genetic defects in children born from consanguineous relationships.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his department plans to issue guidance on the potential risks of genetic defects in children born from consanguineous relationships.
NHS England has published training modules about close relative marriage and genetic risk for midwives and health visitors. The training modules have been published for health professionals to access and there are no plans to publish them more widely. There are no plans to issue public facing guidance.