First-cousin Marriage

Debate between Baroness Uddin and Baroness Merron

Monday 20th January 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

I am grateful to my noble friend for those very informed observations, and I share the assessment that he has made.

[Baroness Uddin (Non-Afl)]

My Lords, I welcome the reduction in the number of interrelated family marriages, not only in Bradford; the numbers have also drastically reduced in the Bangladeshi community. I understand that countries such as Saudi Arabia have a significant number of first-cousin marriages. In pursuing the suggestions of the noble Lord, Lord Farmer, about a further awareness campaign, can we also learn something from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia, or anywhere else where this practice exists? Can the Minister confirm whether she has undertaken any discussions internationally?

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

I certainly have not, and I am not aware of discussions that have taken place between Ministers or officials in our department and those in other countries. However, I will be very glad to look into that and to write to the noble Baroness.

Black, Asian and Minority-Ethnic Women: Maternal Mortality Rates

Debate between Baroness Uddin and Baroness Merron

Monday 29th July 2024 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

I certainly agree with the noble Baroness that the maternity landscape is extremely crowded; there have been a number of reports and inquiries, along with investigations. I shall look very closely with officials at the recommendations from those reports as well as those that are forthcoming. With regard to an independent commissioner, I feel that there is general agreement about what the issues are, and the most important priority is to take action. Of course, in reviewing what is going on, as I am now in this post, I will consider all suggestions, and that includes the one from the noble Baroness.

[Baroness Uddin (Non-Afl)]

My Lords, I also thank my noble friend Lady Gohir for her continuous campaign. I declare an interest having been involved in these matters in Tower Hamlets for some 40 years. I congratulate the Minister on her ministerial role. When she seeks to consolidate these matters and take the best course of action, will she ensure that she looks at the reports that have been on the shelves at the Royal London Hospital trust for the best part of 40 years?

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

I thank the noble Baroness for her kind remarks and good wishes. Certainly, all reports will be considered because we will look for what works.