Rachel Reeves criticizes the Tories and Reform UK as the government unveils significant legislation to eliminate the harsh two-child benefit restriction. The Chancellor condemned Nigel Farage for his inconsistent stance, with the Reform leader opposing the changes. Conservative figure Kemi Badenoch pledged to reinstate the controversial policy, which has been linked to child poverty.
Reeves, in an interview with The Mirror prior to introducing the legislation to abolish the policy, expressed concern over the expected opposition from the Tories and Reform. She highlighted that despite the majority of affected families being working families, the Tories are likely to vote against the reform. Reeves emphasized the detrimental impact of child poverty on both families and society, criticizing Farage for his shift in position on the matter.
Keir Starmer cautioned that the plans of the Tories and Reform UK could push hundreds of thousands of children back into poverty if they come into power. Labour’s analysis projected that reintroducing the policy, as proposed by the Conservatives, would plunge 470,000 children into poverty. Conversely, Reform’s adjustments would only benefit a small fraction of affected children.
Last year, Farage had indicated his party’s intention to abolish the two-child limit, but later clarified that it would apply only to specific criteria. Labour estimated that this change would have minimal impact on the overall number of affected children. Starmer emphasized Labour’s commitment to lifting nearly half a million children out of poverty, contrasting with the regressive approach of the Tories and Reform.
Reeves had previously announced plans to eliminate the two-child benefit limit to uplift 450,000 children out of poverty, garnering support from child poverty advocates. However, she rejected calls for binding targets on child poverty, arguing that such mandates could constrain future governments.
The Chancellor emphasized the importance of maintaining these reforms through consistent political support, highlighting the difference in outcomes for children under different party policies. She underscored the tangible improvements in the lives of hundreds of thousands of children that would be safeguarded under a Labour government.