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Marriage between First Cousins
18 June 2025
Lead MP
Richard Holden
Basildon and Billericay
Con
Responding Minister
Alex Davies-Jones
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Word Count: 4290
Other Contributors: 2
At a Glance
Richard Holden raised concerns about marriage between first cousins in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Holden urges the government to consider legislative changes based on public opinion polls showing support for a ban among certain communities and argues against claims of infringing personal freedom, stating that it perpetuates oppression instead.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Richard Holden highlights the issue of first cousin marriages, noting historical prohibitions by the Church and societal concerns over health, social cohesion, and individual freedoms. He mentions that such marriages can be linked to oppressive patriarchal cultures and forced marriage practices.
Llanelli
Agreed with the concerns regarding first cousin marriages and the need to consider the issue carefully. Emphasised the complexity of creating piecemeal legislation in such a sensitive area.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Committed to bringing the issue forward and acknowledged the right hon. Member's balanced approach, raising concerns about health issues such as the doubling of birth defects in cases of cousin marriages.
Government Response
Alex Davies-Jones
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice
Government Response
It is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Dame Siobhain. I thank the right hon. Member for Basildon and Billericay (Mr Holden) for securing this important debate... The law has continued to evolve since then; for example, the Children Act 1975 added a prohibition on marriages between adoptive parents and their adopted children...
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.