Reform UK would restore the two-child benefit cap in full, Robert Jenrick has announced in a major U-turn for the party. Critics say the move would plunge hundreds of thousands of children into poverty. In his first speech as Reform’s Treasury spokesperson, Jenrick said the party had changed tack since Nigel Farage last year said he would scrap the two-child limit.
Jenrick also said the Motability scheme for disabled people would be reformed to “end abuse”, and only British nationals would be able to claim benefits. He stated that people claiming benefits for “mild anxiety, depression, and similar conditions” would be stopped, requiring a clinical diagnosis to “weed out those who are choosing a life on benefits”.
During his speech in the City of London, Jenrick said: “We want to help working families have more children. But right now, we just cannot afford to do so with welfare. So it has to go. And as Reform’s shadow chancellor, I’m ending it. A Reform government will restore the cap in full.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the move “shameful”, saying on social media: “Reform wants to push hundreds of thousands of children into poverty.” Nigel Farage acknowledged the U-turn, saying his attempts at being “pro-family” had “failed” and resulted in his being labelled a socialist.
Jenrick softened the party’s stance on financial institutions, saying the Bank of England’s independence would remain and the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) would not be abolished. He promised “fiscal stability” combined with “radical reform”, including stripping the Bank of England of its role in moving towards a sustainable future.
