AN MP has accused ministers of failing to clamp down on first cousin marriage for fear they may offend communities – after ministers admit no action is being taken to stop the practice.

“Instead of worrying about being politically correct, officials should be concerned about the genetic effect consanguineous marriage has on children born to relations and its cost to the NHS,” Shipley MP Philip Davies said.

Health Minister, Dr Dan Poulter, said a decision needed to be made locally on whether any action was needed. He said Clinical Commissioning Groups to consider investment in community-based health champions and communication campaigns aimed at raising awareness of the implications of genetic inheritance.