SNP Rallies for Starmer to Eliminate Two-Child Benefit Cap Amidst Growing Political Pressure

The Scottish National Party (SNP) has declared its intention to propose an amendment to the King's Speech, urging the government to eliminate the two-child limit on benefits.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Monday, July 15, 2024, at 10

Sir Keir Starmer is under renewed scrutiny to eliminate the two-child benefit limit following the SNP's decision to seek a vote on the matter during the forthcoming King's Speech.

SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn stated that the policy is driving thousands of children into poverty and called on Scottish Labour MPs to support his proposed amendment.

Current political update: The upcoming Labour administration aims to emulate Gareth Southgate's style rather than Michael Gove's approach.

The policy implemented by the Conservative Party in 2017 restricts parents from receiving Universal Credit or child tax credits for any third or subsequent children, with few exceptions allowed.

The Resolution Foundation stated that families are unable to claim approximately £3,200 annually for each additional child.

In a communication addressed to Anas Sarwar, the leader of Scottish Labour, Mr. Flynn criticized that the "Tory two-child limit transformed into the Labour Party two-child limit" the moment Sir Keir assumed office at Downing Street. He argued that it was a deliberate decision by the newly appointed prime minister to retain this policy.

He stated: "The limitation on having only two children is driving numerous Scottish children into poverty – and eliminating this policy is the absolute least that the Labour Party government must undertake if it is genuinely committed to addressing poverty.

"I strongly encourage Keir Starmer to incorporate this into his governmental agenda this week; however, should he not do so, the SNP is prepared to propose an amendment for its immediate abolition. It is disgraceful and needs to be eliminated at once."

Sir Keir previously advocated for eliminating the cap, but reversed his stance last year, citing concerns over public financial health.

Last week, Health Secretary West Streeting appealed to the public for patience regarding the new administration's efforts to address what he described as the "terrible mess left by the Conservatives."

The general election saw the SNP's representation in Parliament shrink to only nine members following a significant defeat, with Labour securing an overwhelming win. Consequently, should the Commons speaker choose to bring the amendment forward, it is unlikely to be approved.

Numerous Labour MPs are against the two-child policy, and several have indicated they might defy the party's stance on this matter, potentially leading to the first major internal conflict during Sir Keir Starmer's leadership.

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Labour MP for Riverside in Liverpool, Kim Johnson, described the policy as "cruel, punitive, and punishing." She announced her intention to propose an amendment to the King's Speech to eliminate the cap.

In related news, ex-shadow chancellor John McDonnell declared his intention to propose changes to the upcoming budget if it fails to incorporate measures to eliminate the benefit cap.

Other prominent members of the Labour Party who are against the cap include ex-Prime Minister Gordon Brown and backbench Members of Parliament such as Richard Burgon and Ian Byrne.

The Liberal Democrats and the Green Party are advocating for the removal of the cap, while Reform leader Nigel Farage has publicly opposed it.

However, any uprising would probably require the backing of the Conservatives to overcome the government, which holds a substantial majority of 181.

Further Reading: Additional 670,000 children affected by two-child limit; How Labour plans to alter welfare benefits.

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On Wednesday, the Labour Party will unveil its initial governmental agenda during the King's Speech, featuring more than 30 legislative proposals spanning topics such as construction of homes, renewable energy, and law enforcement.

According to the Resolution Foundation, removing the limit on benefits for families with more than two children could have a financial impact ranging from £2.5 billion to £3.6 billion in the fiscal year 2024/25. The Foundation noted that these costs are relatively minor compared to the negative effects the policy has caused.

Data released last week by the Department for Work and Pensions revealed that as of April this year, the number of children residing in homes impacted by the benefit cap has risen to 1.6 million, an increase from 1.5 million as of April 2023.

Of the total, 52% of the children came from families with three kids, 29% were from families with four kids, and 19% belonged to families with five or more kids.

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