(eveningstandard) Twins separated at birth married each other without realising they were brother and sister. The British couple have now been granted an annulment after a special High Court hearing. Judges ruled the marriage had never validly existed. Full details of how the brother and sister fell in love and married have been kept secret, along with their identities. But the Evening Standard has learned that they were separated soon after birth. Each was then adopted by different families but neither was told they had a twin. The couple had no idea they were blood relatives until after their wedding. The case was heard recently in the High Court's Family Division. Experts warn that it highlights the need for the rights of children to know the identity of their parents to be strengthened. Professor Lord Alton, who uncovered the case, said new reforms drawn up by ministers threatened to undermine existing rights. The changes, now being debated in the House of Lords, would also relax rules on who can have fertility treatment. Critics say they will weaken further the link between children and their biological parents - and even effectively end the need for fathers. Lord Alton said: "The right for children to know the identity of their biological parents is a human right. There will be more cases like this if children are not given access to the truth. The needs of the child must always be paramount." The Government has been facing fierce opposition over sweeping changes to fertility laws in the Human Embryology and Tissues Bill. Under the proposed law, fertility clinics will not be able to bar single women and same sex couples from treatment. Instead, doctors must ensure that patients can offer "supportive parenting".

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