Six Labour Members of Parliament who were previously suspended over their opposition to the two-child benefit limit have urged Rachel Reeves to completely eliminate the “inhumane” policy. The MPs, including prominent figures like John McDonnell and Rebecca Long-Bailey, emphasized the urgency for the Labour government to address the policy ahead of the upcoming Budget. They stated that scrapping the limit would demonstrate a genuine commitment to alleviating the financial struggles faced by numerous families in the country.
The lawmakers highlighted the detrimental impact of the two-child benefit limit, describing it as unjust and harmful to children born into specific circumstances. They emphasized that the policy perpetuates child poverty, with over 100 children being pushed into impoverished conditions daily. The MPs pressed for the full abolition of the two-child benefit cap, asserting that it would be a significant and cost-effective step to lift children out of poverty.
The call for action from Labour MPs coincides with discussions within the party, led by Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves, on potentially revising or eliminating the policy implemented by former Chancellor George Osborne almost ten years ago. The policy restricts certain benefits to the first two children in a family, a measure criticized by charities for exacerbating child poverty.
The government is anticipated to release findings from its child poverty review alongside the Budget, which is expected to include recommendations regarding the two-child benefit limit. Concerns have been raised that partial adjustments, such as moving to a three-child limit, would still result in increased child poverty rates by the end of the decade, as cautioned by the Resolution Foundation think-tank.
Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, has also voiced support for scrapping the policy and criticized the decision to remove the whip from MPs who opposed the government on this issue. Burnham emphasized the importance of allowing MPs to take principled stances without facing punitive measures, citing his experience in previous Labour governments.
This push for policy change reflects ongoing debates within the Labour Party and the broader political landscape regarding social welfare measures and strategies to combat child poverty.