Sir Keir Starmer faces revolt by Labour MPs over two-child benefit cap

Building pressure to axe the policy

Sir Keir Starmer is under fire from Left-wing Labour MPs pushing for the removal of the controversial two-child benefit cap, implemented by the Tories in 2015. The PM has indicated a willingness to review the cap as part of efforts to tackle child poverty.

Looming vote on the horizon

More than a dozen Labour MPs have joined forces in calling for the scrapping of the two-child benefit cap, with Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson suggesting it could be a key step in lifting children out of poverty. If selected by Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle, there may be a vote on the issue.

PM's agreement on potential policy change

Following Phillipson's remarks, the PM expressed agreement with the need to address child poverty comprehensively. He emphasized the importance of ensuring no child grows up in poverty and acknowledged the concerns raised by Labour MPs.

Resistance from Downing Street

Despite the shift in tone from Labour leadership, Downing Street clarified that there has been no official change in policy regarding the benefit cap. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has stood firm against any unplanned spending commitments, citing the need for economic stability before considering such changes.

A brief history of the two-child benefit cap

The cap, initially introduced by former Conservative chancellor George Osborne, limits welfare payments to the first two children in most families, affecting around 1.6 million children.