Genetics has become the latest battleground in British multiculturalism. A government minister has called for a debate about the prevalence of birth defects amongst British Pakistanis. "Part of the risk, I am told by the health service, is first-cousin marriages," says Phil Woolas, a junior environment minister. He denied that he was demonising Muslims: "If you are supportive of the Asian community then you have a duty to raise this issue." This is not the first time that this issue has surfaced in the British media. More than 55 per cent of British Pakistanis are believed to have married first cousins. Figures show that British Pakistani children account for as many as one-third of birth defects, even though they represent only three per cent of all UK births.

“The problem is that many of the parents themselves and many of the public spokespeople are themselves products of first cousin marriages. It’s very difficult for people to say ‘you can’t do that’ because it’s a very sensitive, human thing,” Mr Woolas told the Sunday Times. He wants more discussion of the issue. “Most health workers and primary care trusts in areas like mine are very aware of it. But it’s a very sensitive issue. That’s why it’s not even a debate and people outside of these areas don’t really know it exists.” The British Prime Minister's office said that the minister was speaking as a local MP and did not represent government policy.

Cooler heads put the alarming figures in perspective. Genetics professor Steve Jones, of University College London, said that cousin marriages involved a higher risk of birth defects, but that drinking or smoking in pregnancy was "as bad if not worse". However, he added, people should be warned of the risks as "a matter of public health". ~ London Sunday Times, Feb 10; BBC, Feb 11