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Social Security Benefits: Marriage

Asked by Mr Richard HoldenConservativeDepartment for Work and PensionsTabled Answered 14 July 2026UIN 15459

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what his Department's policy is on recognising for social security purposes marriages between an uncle and niece legally contracted overseas where the couple are resident in England and Wales.

Answered by Sir Stephen Timms

A marriage between an uncle and niece falls within the prohibited degrees of relationship set out in Part 1 of Schedule 1 to the Marriage Act 1949 and, by virtue of section 1(1) of that Act, is void for all purposes in England and Wales. There is similar legislation in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

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