Rachel Reeves criticizes the Tories and Reform UK over the government’s move to eliminate the two-child benefit limit. The Chancellor clashed with Nigel Farage of Reform UK, who opposed the changes, while Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch pledged to reinstate the controversial policy blamed for exacerbating child poverty.
Reeves, in anticipation of legislation to remove the policy, questioned the stance of the Tories and Reform, highlighting that despite the majority of affected families being working families, the Tories are expected to vote against the change. She emphasized the adverse effects of child poverty on society and criticized Farage for changing his position on the issue.
Keir Starmer condemned the plans of the Tories and Reform UK, warning that reinstating the policy would push hundreds of thousands of children back into poverty. Labour’s analysis projected that reintroducing the policy would plunge 470,000 children into poverty, while Reform’s adjustments would only benefit a small fraction of children affected.
Starmer emphasized Labour’s commitment to lifting children out of poverty and criticized the Tories and Reform for potentially reversing progress made in combating child poverty. Ms. Reeves previously announced the intention to eliminate the two-child benefit limit, aiming to uplift 450,000 children out of poverty, a move praised by child poverty advocates.
Reeves dismissed calls for legally binding targets on child poverty, arguing that a Labour government is essential to safeguard policies such as scrapping the two-child limit. She highlighted the tangible differences in policies between political parties, emphasizing the positive impact on children’s lives under Labour’s initiatives.
The Chancellor underscored the importance of voting for a Labour government to maintain crucial social welfare policies, including childcare support, free school meals, and scrapping the two-child limit. Reeves emphasized the substantial impact of these policies on improving the living conditions of vulnerable children, urging voters to recognize the distinctions between political parties in addressing social issues.