David Vance SubstackRead More
Let’s consider the perils of first cousin marriages.
They double the risk of congenital birth defects and serious genetic disorders in children. This increased risk mainly comes from a higher likelihood that both parents carry the same harmful recessive gene variants, leading to conditions such as metabolic disorders, heart defects, and rare genetic diseases. Studies also show elevated rates of infant mortality, stillbirths, and childhood death. Some countries ban it completely (for example China, the Philippines, and several Balkan states), and about 30 U.S. states either ban or heavily restrict first cousin marriage, with 8 U.S. states actually criminalising it. However, it is LEGAL in the UK and PM Starmer has made it clear that it will stay this way.
In essence he is BLOCKING a ban on First Cousin Marriage Listen to his response when he is asked not to block the ban:
“We have taken our position on that bill thank you.”
Now, why is the Prime Minister so keen to ensure that this practise continues?
Consider this.
British Pakistanis are the group most often identified with first cousin marriages. Studies in Bradford and similar cities have found that a large share of Pakistani‑heritage couples are related as first or second cousins. In some inner-city Bradford wards, nearly half of Pakistani‑heritage mothers were married to a first or second cousin. Some British Bangladeshi and other South Asian heritage families also practise cousin or other close-kin marriage, but at lower and more variable rates than in the Pakistani‑heritage population.
It’s basically a Pakistani Muslim thing and Starmer is therefore determined to pander to them. It is a reliable voter demographic for his Party.
The COST to the NHS of this dangerous practise is immense. If we take one example Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust spent £3.6 million over 5.5 years treating 1,559 patients diagnosed with a family history of consanguinity. This equates to about £650,000 per year for just one trust in one city. Multiply that across the UK and include areas like Bradford where the rate of first cousin marriage is 53% and it amounts to £££ millions.
The fact that Starmer panders to in-breeding in Muslim areas is really quite shocking but not surprising. I won’t reproduce the terrible images of the birth defects that accompany first cousin marriages but for the sake of common humanity, this practise must be BANNED!
