Labour leader Keir Starmer expressed his openness to scrapping the controversial two-child benefit cap, acknowledging the growing number of children affected by it. The policy, implemented by George Osborne, restricts benefits for low-income parents with three or more children. With experts warning of a significant rise in affected children, Starmer emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue.
While refraining from specifying a timeline for policy change, Starmer criticized Chancellor Jeremy Hunt for unfunded manifesto pledges contributing to ongoing poverty. Amid calls from senior Labour figures to eliminate the cap, Starmer stressed the need for economic stability and investment.
During Labour’s “economy” week, Starmer highlighted contrasting proposals with the Tories’ tax cut plans, emphasizing the importance of responsible financial management. Criticizing personal attacks from Conservative ministers, Starmer reaffirmed his commitment to addressing key social issues.