'MP's proposal is unsettling ' - Your Letters: January 2

The proposal to ban cousin marriages in the UK by Richard Holden MP is quite concerning and unsettling. He mentions scientific findings to argue that there are increased risks of birth defects among children born to couples who are first cousins. But he deliberately overlooks the fact that even though the risk of congenital anomalies in children of first cousins is six per cent in comparison to 2.4 per cent in non-consanguineous marriages, the overall risk is still low and small.

His proposal for such a ban also makes no mention of comparative risks that are of advanced maternal age or lifestyle factors such as smoking and drinking which can also pose similar risks to children. To no one’s surprise, he also links the increased rate of cousin marriages among British Pakistanis, majority of whom are Muslims, to forced marriages and the supposed lack of freedom of women. By specifically making this about one diaspora living in the UK and by directly making this about forced marriages and the freedom of women but shielding his whole argument with the point of scientific research, Mr Holden cannot evade the responsibility of expressing Islamophobic, divisive and prejudiced views.

Finally, the most unsettling part about this as a Muslim woman is that yet again, another Western politician has, undesirably, assumed the responsibility of dictating how Muslim women should free themselves. As Muslim women, we do not need and certainly do not want others to be speaking for us. Anything otherwise would be opposing our freedom.

Ayesha Naseem, Walsall

ANOTHER BEATING FOR PENSIONERS

Keir Starmer has dished out another beating to pensioners, telling Waspi women they won't receive a penny in compensation. However, the Labour Party had previously vowed to right the historic wrongs experienced by women when it was in opposition. It looks like Starmer and his party has betrayed pensioner's once again.

In late May 2024, doesn't he remember saying: "Pensioner's deserve security in their retirement, and that's what my Labour government will deliver."?

Nine months ago, an Independent parliamentary ombudsman recommended compensation of between £1,000 and £2,950 to each claimant. But Starmer has made an unprecedented political choice to ignore the clear recommendations of the parliamentary ombudsman.

Starmer has stirred up an hornet's nest with his decision to deny compensation to what could be millions of Waspi women, and I believe it will come home to haunt him!

During the election, Starmer made a pledge that those with the broadest shoulders would be forced to pay their fair share to produce an increase in growth and productivity, but he hasn't done it. What he has done is contract the economy by attacking vulnerable pensioners and lots of small to medium sized businesses, by putting up employers National Insurance, Instead of attacking greedy corporate conglomerates and the super rich.

Paul Witton, Cannock

WHY DO LEADERS SEEK CONFLICT?

What is it with our politicians? War criminal Blair gloried in sending our forces into someone else's wars: Cameron had a little go at being a warmonger and now Starmer is squaring up to Putin. At least Blair had a rather large back-up.

As for our military; Starmer is scrapping older materiel but little is being said about modern replacements.

Even if we do become involved in conflicts we have no need for 220+ Challenger 2 main battle tanks. Modern weapons will neutralise them before they've left the docks. Our lack of funding for proper maintenance has neutralised our carriers and nuclear submarines. And all the while Starmer's spoiling for a fight and siding with the EU, Middle East dictators, India and China against Netanyahu. What a fool.

Trevor Howard, Wolverhampton

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