Sir Keir Starmer has suspended seven Labour MPs for six months after they voted to scrap the two-child benefit limit, in an unprecedented response to an early rebellion. The move, which includes former shadow chancellor John McDonnell, has sparked anger within the party and drawn criticism from some MPs who voted with the government.
The suspension followed a Scottish National Party amendment to end the policy, which has been widely criticised by child poverty charities. The amendment failed by 363 votes to 103, a majority of 260 for Labour. Alongside McDonnell, Apsana Begum, Richard Burgon, Ian Byrne, Imran Hussain, Rebecca Long-Bailey and Zarah Sultana all voted for the amendment, with 42 Labour MPs abstaining.
Before the vote, McDonnell said: 'I don't like voting for other parties' amendments but I'm following Keir Starmer's example as he said put country before party.' The suspension has caused deep tensions among backbenchers, with some believing it was a strategic error that will make it harder for the government to concede on the issue.
Nadia Whittome, the Nottingham East MP, who did not vote for the amendment but spoke in favour of abolishing the cap, said: 'The government's approach to party discipline has been appalling. No MP should have lost the whip for their vote this evening, especially on a policy that almost everyone in Labour opposes.'
In a move to mollify potential rebels, Sir Keir indicated on Monday that he would consider scrapping the cap, which had previously been said to be unaffordable. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said removing the cap was among measures the government would look at as part of a review into child poverty.
