NHS trust describes cousin marriages as ‘cultural practice’ and compares it to ‘white women having children over 34 years old’

It claims that this is because of “liberal values such as preferring jobs, careers, bodily fitness and individualism.”

It comes after the Born in Bradford study found that cousin marriage accounts for about 30 per cent of birth defects, with research from 13,500 families also found that 19 per cent of Bradford babies born with birth defects had mothers over the age of 34.

It comes after the Born in Bradford study found that cousin marriage accounts for about 30 per cent of birth defects

PA

The material states: “At this point, it is important to mention that just like a cousin marriage is a cultural practice in Asian/British Pakistanis heritage, resulting in increasing risk factors for congenital anomalies, so too is choosing to give birth at or after the age 34 in White British women/couples.

“This is largely a result of choosing lifestyles embedded in liberal values such as preferring jobs, careers, bodily fitness and individualism over giving birth before the age 34.”

It comes after Independent MP Iqbal Mohamed drew outrage after voicing opposition against calls to ban first-cousinmarriage in the UK, and suggested “advanced genetic test screening” is made available to prospective couples.

The MP for Dewsbury and Batley said rather than “stigmatising” cousin marriages, a “much more positive approach” should be adopted to respond to health concerns linked to the children of those relationships.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

• Council to issue £2,500 fines to locals who place rubbish in wrong bin despite ‘innocent mistakes’
• Outrage as villagers set to be outnumbered by inmates after Angela Rayner approves HUGE super-prison
• National Lottery winner celebrates HUGE £110K prize after buying last minute ticket

Independent MP Iqbal Mohamed voiced opposition against calls to ban first-cousinmarriage in the UK

PARLIAMENTLIVE.TV

Downing Street has now indicated the Government had no plans to ban marriages between first cousins despite the health risks.

A No 10 spokesman said: “I think the expert advice on the risks of first-cousin marriage are clear. But in terms of legislation, the Government has set out its priorities.”

More to come…