The three Labour MPs for Milton Keynes have voted in Parliament to scrap the controversial two-child benefit cap.
Introduced by the Conservative Government in 2017, the two-child limit policy restricts child tax credit and Universal Credit (UC) to only cover parents’ first two children.
MPs overwhelmingly supported lifting the policy, with a vote on Tuesday passing by 458 votes to 104 – a majority of 354.
“As someone who was lifted out of poverty as a child during the 1997–2010 Labour Government, this is deeply personal to me. I’m pleased I can play a part in doing the same for a new generation," said Callum Anderson, MP for Buckingham and Bletchley, "At the same time, I know that we must tackle the growing overall welfare bill we inherited from the previous government. Everyone deserves purpose in life through meaningful work - it’s a social, economic, and financial imperative.”
Emily Darlington, MP for Milton Keynes Central, added, “It means so much to me to be able to work with a Labour Government committed to lifting children out of poverty. From the new school breakfast clubs announced last week to this decision to remove the cruel two-child benefit cap, we are taking meaningful action to help the children in our city who need it most.”
The Universal Credit (Removal of Two Child Limit) Bill will now face further scrutiny from MPs and peers before it becomes law. The Labour Government has announced its intention to change the policy from April.
