Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment he has made of the health implications of first cousin marriages.

The first ever National Health Service genomics strategy, published in October 2022, seeks to drive equity in access to genomic testing. One of the ways NHS England is driving equity in access to genomic testing is through the roll out of culturally competent genetics services for consanguineous couples.

Culturally competent genetics services for consanguineous couples aims to improve access to genomics services for underserved groups and give families the opportunity to make informed reproductive decisions, whilst respecting their culture, values and beliefs. Through the Equity & Equality Guidance for Local Maternity & Neonatal Services, NHS England will provide around £2.7 million of funding over three years to improve access to culturally sensitive care for families in high need areas and to make available training and support for all health and care professionals.