PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
(28 August 2026)

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, pursuant to the Answer of 14 July 2026 to Question 15459 on Marriage: Family Relations, for what reason overseas polygamous marriages are treated differently from marriages between an (a) uncle and niece and (b) aunt and nephew.

Asked by:
Mr Richard Holden (Conservative)

The marriages described are treated differently because they are subject to separate rules.

When an overseas polygamous marriage is lawful where it took place, it will normally be recognised in England and Wales provided it complies with the required conditions.

An overseas marriage between an uncle and niece or an aunt and nephew where their relationship falls within the prohibited degrees of relationship under the Marriage Act 1949 is unlikely to be recognised.

The Government is considering possible options relating to this issue.

Answered by:
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