Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has ignited a fierce political debate by proposing that the controversial two-child benefit cap should be lifted exclusively for families where both parents are British-born and in full-time employment.
A Policy Clarification Sparks Controversy
Mr Farage initially indicated his party would support abolishing the limit altogether, but later clarified the stance. He stated that a complete removal would primarily "benefit huge numbers of foreign-born people", a comment that lies at the heart of the ensuing dispute. His revised position would restrict the policy change to households with UK-born parents who work full-time.
This intervention directly challenges Labour's pledged £3.5billion plan to scrap the cap for all families, a policy the party argues tackles child poverty. Farage warned that the Labour proposal would funnel more state funds to "foreign-born people".
Reeves Accusation and Reform's Furious Response
The comments prompted a sharp reaction from Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who became embroiled in a public clash with the Reform leader. She accused Mr Farage of effectively wanting welfare support to be reserved for white people.
This allegation triggered a furious response from within Reform UK. The party's policy chief, Zia Yusuf, accused Ms Reeves of racism for seemingly conflating the term "British-born" with being white. Mr Yusuf demanded the Chancellor be sacked for her remark, escalating the row further.
Public Opinion and Previous Poll Results
The debate over welfare and national identity continues to divide opinion. It follows a recent Daily Mail poll which asked readers about military support for Ukraine. In that vote, more than 17,000 readers participated, with a decisive 81% stating 'no' to sending British troops to Ukraine even if a Russian ceasefire were agreed, against 19% who said 'yes'.
The controversy over the two-child limit and the conditions for its removal underscores deep-seated disagreements on social security, immigration, and the definition of fairness in the British welfare system.
