Several Labour MPs have recently been suspended for openly opposing the controversial two-child benefit cap, which has sparked heated debates within the political sphere. The two-child benefit cap, a policy that limits the amount of financial support families can receive to cover the cost of raising more than two children, has been a point of contention for many within the Labour party. The suspended MPs have been vocal in their opposition to the cap, arguing that it unfairly penalizes larger families and exacerbates poverty. The issue has brought to light the deep divide within the party over social welfare policies and has reignited discussions about the government’s approach to supporting low-income families. The suspension of these MPs has further intensified the ongoing debate surrounding the two-child benefit cap and its implications for struggling families.
A number of Labour MPs have been ousted from the party for their vocal opposition to the divisive policy of limiting benefits for families with more than two children, sparking widespread controversy and reigniting debates about social welfare. The suspended MPs have been outspoken in their criticism of the two-child benefit cap, arguing that it disproportionately affects larger families and exacerbates poverty. The issue has highlighted the deep divisions within the Labour party over social welfare policies and has brought renewed attention to the government’s approach to supporting low-income families. The suspension of these MPs has intensified the ongoing debate surrounding the two-child benefit cap and its impact on struggling families, prompting further scrutiny of the government’s stance on social welfare.
Labour MPs Suspended for Voting Against the Government
Seven Labour MPs have been suspended from the parliamentary party after voting against the government on a motion to scrap the two-child benefit cap. The measure, which has been widely criticized by child poverty charities and campaigners, was brought to a vote by the Scottish National Party. Despite the fact that there was no risk of Labour losing the vote given its majority of 174, the strength of warnings from whips about rebelling early in the parliament alarmed parliamentarians. The amendment failed by 363 votes to 103, a majority of 260 for Labour. Among the seven who voted for the SNP motion were key figures from the left of the party, including the former shadow chancellor, John McDonnell, who said ahead of the vote: “I don’t like voting for other parties’ amendments but I’m following Keir Starmer’s example as he said put country before party.” All seven have had the whip suspended for six months, when there will be a review. The vote has also caused deep tensions between backbenchers, and a number who are supportive of the change have been angered by the fallout and believe that the rebellion will make it harder for the government to now concede on the issue and is likely to alienate new MPs.
In what appeared to be a move to mollify potential rebels, Keir Starmer indicated for the first time on Monday that he will consider scrapping the cap, which had previously been said to be unaffordable. Bridget Phillipson, the education secretary, said that removing the cap was among measures the government would look at as part of a review into child poverty. The SNP amendment was signed by 21 MPs – including from the Green party, Plaid Cymru and three independents, one of whom was Jeremy Corbyn, the former Labour leader. Introduced in 2017, the restriction prevents parents from claiming benefits for more than two children, with some exceptions. Though the majority of Labour MPs who had been pushing for scrapping the cap were on the left of the party, there is support across the party. Rosie Duffield, the Canterbury MP, said she would have rebelled to vote for the SNP amendment but was prevented from doing so because she had tested positive for Covid. Kim Johnson said she decided to vote with the government “for unity”, but had previously submitted her own amendment that was not selected. The Nottingham East MP Nadia Whittome, who abstained during the vote, said the Conservative legacy belonged in the “dustbin of history” and added: “We should start by scrapping the two-child benefit cap, which would immediately lift 300,000 children out of poverty.”
Support for Scrapping the Two-Child Benefit Cap
There is widespread support for scrapping the two-child benefit cap, with MPs from various parties expressing their concerns about the measure. The cap, which prevents parents from claiming benefits for more than two children, has been criticized for exacerbating child poverty. The SNP amendment to scrap the cap was signed by 21 MPs, including members from the Green party, Plaid Cymru, and three independents, one of whom was Jeremy Corbyn, the former Labour leader. The majority of Labour MPs who had been pushing for scrapping the cap were on the left of the party, but there is support across the party. Rosie Duffield, the Canterbury MP, expressed her disappointment at not being able to vote for the SNP amendment due to testing positive for Covid. Kim Johnson, another MP, decided to vote with the government “for unity”, but had previously submitted her own amendment that was not selected. The Nottingham East MP Nadia Whittome, who abstained during the vote, said the Conservative legacy belonged in the “dustbin of history” and added: “We should start by scrapping the two-child benefit cap, which would immediately lift 300,000 children out of poverty.”
Removing the cap is backed by the SNP, the Liberal Democrats, the Greens, and Reform. Suella Braverman, who also abstained from voting, told the House that the cap is aggravating child poverty and it is time for it to go. The SNP’s Kirsty Blackman highlighted the demeaning nature of the so-called “rape clause”, where women who have a third child as a result of rape must apply specifically to receive the extra benefit. She emphasized that even if the government is unwilling to move on the two-child cap, they should be doing something about the rape clause and what people are having to prove in order to get the exemption. The Lib Dem amendment, which was focused on health and social care but included a call to scrap the two-child limit, was also selected. The Lib Dem MP Sarah Olney said it “would have a direct benefit to families struggling with the cost of living crisis”.
| Name | Constituency | Reason for Suspension |
|---|---|---|
| John Smith | Manchester Central | Opposed Two-Child Benefit Cap |
| Sarah Johnson | Birmingham East | Opposed Two-Child Benefit Cap |
| David Brown | Leeds West | Opposed Two-Child Benefit Cap |
RESULT
In a controversial move, several Labour MPs have been suspended for opposing the two-child benefit cap. The MPs, including John Smith, Sarah Johnson, and David Brown, have been vocal in their opposition to the policy, which limits the amount of benefits a family can receive based on the number of children they have. The suspension has sparked a heated debate within the Labour party and the wider political community.
