
Former Labour leader Neil Kinnock has publicly urged current party leader Keir Starmer to abolish the controversial two-child benefit limit, a policy he claims exacerbates child poverty in the UK.
The restriction, introduced by the Conservative government in 2017, limits child tax credits and Universal Credit to the first two children in a family. Critics argue it disproportionately affects low-income households.
Kinnock's Strong Stance
Lord Kinnock, who led Labour from 1983 to 1992, made his position clear during a recent interview. "This policy is morally indefensible," he stated, "and Labour must commit to scrapping it if we're serious about tackling child poverty."
Growing Pressure on Starmer
The intervention adds to mounting pressure on Starmer from within his own party. Many Labour MPs and activists view the benefit cap as incompatible with the party's values, though some shadow cabinet members worry about the potential £1.3 billion annual cost of removal.
Recent figures show the policy affects approximately 1.1 million children across Britain, with campaigners arguing it forces families into impossible choices about basic necessities.
Political Calculations
With a general election looming, Starmer faces difficult decisions about which Conservative policies to overturn. While he's pledged to review the benefit cap, he's stopped short of promising its abolition - a cautious approach that's drawing criticism from the party's left wing.
As the debate continues, all eyes remain on whether Labour will make scrapping the two-child limit a manifesto commitment.