Rebellion brews over refusal to scrap controversial policy
Sir Keir Starmer is facing his first backbench rebellion as PM over his refusal to scrap the two-child benefit cap. MPs have threatened to back amendments to the King's Speech in a bid to force his hand.
Former shadow chancellor calls for policy to be scrapped
Former shadow chancellor John McDonnell said most think the policy should be scrapped "sooner rather than later", citing the immense suffering it has caused. The cap prevents parents from claiming child tax credit or Universal Credit for more than two kids.
Pressure mounts as number of affected children rises
The number of kids affected by the two-child benefit cap has risen by 100,000 to 1.6 million in a year. Child Poverty Action Group says scrapping the limit could lift 300,000 children out of poverty and reduce deep poverty for 700,000 children.
Politicians divided over the controversial policy
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has labeled the cap as "inhumane", while Sir Keir Starmer cited cost concerns for not axing the policy. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall called the situation "a stain on our society" but did not indicate Labour's stance on abolishing the limit.
Public opinion and party support
A YouGov poll for Times Radio revealed that 60% of the public supports the two-child benefit cap, with 50% of recent Labour voters also backing the policy.
