Pressure Mounts on Labour as MPs Push for Removal of Two-Child Benefit Cap

Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall emphasized lately that the government need to consider carefully the financial implications before eliminating the two-child benefit cap that was introduced in 2015. The cap limits child welfare payments to the first two children.

Kendall said that she is committed to reducing child poverty but the changes to benefit policies must be financially viable. She expressed concerns about making promises without understanding how to fund them.

Keir Starmer led Labour Party is facing pressure from members to abolish the cap. Child poverty rates in the country are rising. More than four million children are currently living in low-income households. Some Labour MPs are considering supporting an amendment from the Scottish National Party (SNP) that calls removal of cap. SNP leader Stephen Flynn has urged Labour MPs to act. He said that voting for the amendment would help lift children out of poverty.

Kendall was also questioned lately about whether the government would release legal advice from the Foreign Office with respect to actions of Israel in Gaza. She emerged without any clear answer and reiterated that the commitment of Labour Party is to seek an immediate ceasefire as well as a long-term solution to the conflict. She emphasized for urgent action to stop fighting and simultaneously provide humanitarian aid. However, she did not commit to publishing the legal advice .