A Keighley MP and a Bradford councillor have expressed contrasting views on proposals that could see first-cousin marriage banned in the UK.
The issue has returned to the spotlight following reports that the Labour Party is considering supporting legislation to outlaw the practice, which remains legal in the UK.
Keighley and Ilkley MP Robbie Moore has spoken out in favour of a ban, citing long-standing evidence of the increased health risks for children born from such unions.
The Conservative MP said: "It is frankly outrageous that marriage between first cousins remains legal in modern Britain.
"The medical risks are well established."
He pointed to findings from the Born in Bradford research project, which revealed that the risk of serious congenital abnormalities roughly doubles when parents are blood relatives.
Mr Moore said: "Representing Keighley, a constituency within the Bradford district, I cannot ignore the findings of the Born in Bradford research, which found that the risk of serious congenital abnormalities approximately doubles when parents are blood relatives.
"Behind those figures are children and families who may face devastating, lifelong consequences."
The Born in Bradford study found that children born to first cousin couples are more likely to experience speech and language difficulties and are less likely to reach key developmental milestones.
After accounting for factors such as parental age, obesity, and smoking, researchers concluded that the risk of congenital abnormalities rises from 3% to 6% in first cousin marriages.
Mr Moore urged the government to address the issue directly, saying it has been avoided for too long.
He said: "Politicians must stop treating the issue as too sensitive to confront."
However, Councillor Riaz Ahmed (Liberal Democrat, Bradford Moor) called for a more considered approach, recognising the risks but cautioning against a legislative ban.
Cllr Ahmed said: "There is no doubt that marriage between first cousins is associated with an increased risk of certain genetic disorders and congenital abnormalities, and the evidence on this should be acknowledged honestly.
"However, a serious public health response must look at the whole picture rather than reducing a complex issue to a question of legislation."
He highlighted the value of the Born in Bradford research and called for it to inform policy decisions in combination with other scientific evidence.
Cllr Ahmed said: "The Born in Bradford research programme has provided important local evidence and insight into the health of children and families in our communities."
He also stressed that broader health and social factors must be considered.
He said: "We must not lose sight of the many other factors that influence health outcomes.
"Air quality, deprivation, health inequalities, maternal health, and access to high-quality primary and preventative care all have an important role to play.
"Public policy should address these factors rather than presenting one aspect of family life as the sole explanation for complex health inequalities."
Cllr Ahmed argued against a legal ban, calling instead for education and support.
He said: "My personal view is that legislation to prohibit first cousin marriage is neither necessary nor proportionate.
"There is a distinction between recognising a genuine public health risk and deciding that the appropriate response is to prohibit a lawful choice between consenting adults."
Instead, he said the Government should provide information, genetic counselling, screening and healthcare.
He added: “Public health works best when people are given accurate information, trusted to make informed decisions and supported by accessible services.”
Cllr Ahmed also warned against a law being introduced before other measures had been assessed. He said: “Before Parliament considers restricting individual choice, there should be a clear demonstration that less intrusive measures have been properly considered and found insufficient.”
He said: “A blanket legislative approach risks replacing education and engagement with prohibition.”
He also noted that marriage patterns are changing within the community.
He said: "It is also important to recognise that family and marriage patterns are changing.
"Within Bradford’s Pakistani heritage community, a growing proportion of marriages are between people who are not closely related."
The Ministry of Justice has acknowledged concerns about cousin marriage and is considering whether government intervention is appropriate.
A backbench bill on the issue is expected to be introduced in Parliament in 2027 by Dr Luke Evans, the shadow health minister.
A previous attempt to legislate on the issue by shadow transport secretary Richard Holden was blocked by Sir Kier Starmer’s Government last year.
Share