MP Says First Cousins in UK Should Be Able To Marry As It Can 'Help Build Family Bonds'

According to Indian wedding traditions, new brides should apply henna to their hands, feet and arms. (Credit: Alberta Studio/Pexels)

In a contentious debate in the House of Commons, Iqbal Mohamed, MP for Dewsbury and Batley, defended the practice of first-cousin marriage, claiming it can "help build family bonds" and suggesting Britain could benefit from adopting policies similar to those in the Middle East. His comments came as part of a response to a proposed bill seeking to ban cousin marriages in the UK, reigniting a long-standing debate over the practice.

Advocating for First-Cousin Marriage