Labour has suspended seven MPs over a dramatic but futile rebellion against the two-child benefit cap, sparking intense debate and deepening party divisions. Here’s the full story.
Labour Suspends Seven MPs
In a surprising and profoundly contentious move, the Labour Party, under the leadership of Sir Keir Starmer, suspended seven MPs for six months for supporting an amendment to abolish the controversial two-child benefit cap.
SNP’s Amendment
The amendment, proposed by the Scottish National Party (SNP), aimed to eliminate the policy of restricting Universal Credit and child tax credit to two children per family.
Intense Debate Sparked
The suspension has sparked intense debate among the party and the public, with consistent polling showing that the policy is deeply unpopular with both.
Policy Origins
Introduced in 2017 by the then Conservative government, the two-child benefit cap prevents families from claiming benefits for more than two children, with a few exceptions. Child poverty charities and campaigners have widely criticised the policy, arguing it exacerbates financial hardship for families already struggling to make ends meet.
Financial Implications
The Institute for Fiscal Studies estimated that removing the cap would cost the government £3.4 billion annually, a significant but necessary investment, according to critics who view the policy as contributing to the country’s unacceptable levels of child poverty.
Labour Rebellion Leaders
The Labour rebellion was led by former shadow chancellor John McDonnell and some of Labour’s few remaining left-wing MPs following the purge that took place in the opening stages of the general election campaign.
McDonnell’s Justification
Speaking to reporters before the vote, McDonnell stated, “I don’t like voting for other parties’ amendments but I’m following Keir Starmer’s example as he said put country before party.”
Other Rebel MPs
Other rebels included MPs Apsana Begum, Richard Burgon, Ian Byrne, Imran Hussain, Rebecca Long-Bailey, and Zarah Sultana.
Amendment Defeated
Despite the strong party whipping operation aimed at containing the rebellion, the amendment was defeated by 260 votes, with 103 votes in favour. The seven MPs who supported the amendment were suspended from the parliamentary party, an action that drew criticism from both within and outside Labour ranks.
Concerns Highlighted
Expressing his discontent, Richard Burgon highlighted the concerns of his constituents, noting that “many struggling families” in Leeds East had raised the issue of the cap with him. Similarly, Apsana Begum emphasised the cap’s contribution to child poverty and food insecurity in her constituency. At the same time, Ian Byrne described scrapping the cap as the “best way” to help his Liverpool West Derby constituents.
Test of Leadership
The decision to suspend the MPs was seen as an early test of Starmer’s leadership and a demonstration of the new government’s strict approach to party discipline. Critics, including Nottingham East MP Nadia Whittome, argued that such severe punishments would stifle healthy debate within the party.
“Appalling Discipline Approach”
She stated, “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. Our party has a huge majority. If it is to govern from a position of strength, it should be able to tolerate disagreement without making threats and employing the most severe punishments.”
Broad Support for Abolition
Despite the rebellion being contained, there is broad support within Labour for scrapping the two-child benefit cap. MPs like Kim Johnson, who on Monday led calls for the policy to be abolished, stated, “It’s not a question of whether we can afford vital policies to alleviate child poverty, such as lifting the two-child cap, it’s a question of whether we can afford not to. This punitive policy needs to be consigned to the dustbin of history where it belongs.”
Cross-Party Support
The SNP, Liberal Democrats, Greens, and Reform UK have all backed the move to abolish the cap. Despite the seemingly overwhelming support for repealing the two-child benefit cap, the new Labour government has stressed the importance of fiscal responsibility. Starmer repeatedly told voters in the general election campaign that he was not prepared to make “unfunded promises.”
Highlighting Tensions
The suspension of the seven MPs over their rebellion on the two-child benefit cap has highlighted significant tensions within the Labour Party and sparked a broader debate on the scourge of child poverty.
Balancing Act
While the government’s strict approach has sent a clear message about dissent, the widespread support for abolishing the cap within Labour and among opposition parties suggests the issue will remain deeply contentious. The severity of the crackdown will have led many Labour voters to question what kind of party they have voted for.
Economic Responsibility vs. Compassion
With Labour seemingly more concerned about appearing economically responsible than for the 4.3 million children in poverty, whether this unusual move will help or hinder Keir Starmer’s government remains to be seen. Starmer would do well to remember that there is a danger in appearing reliable but heartless.
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Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Martin Suker.
Grant Gallacher is a seasoned writer with expertise in politics and impactful daily news. His work, deeply rooted in addressing issues that resonate with a wide audience, showcases an unwavering commitment to bringing forth the stories that matter. He is also known for satirical writing and stand up comedy.