Keir Starmer has taken a significant shift in his stance on poverty policy, after initially presenting himself as tough on spending. The Labour leader is now set to announce a major overhaul of Britain's universal credit system, which will effectively get rid of the two-child benefit cap. This move promises to lift almost 500,000 children out of poverty, the biggest single anti-poverty measure implemented by any government in recent years.
Starmer has been quick to criticise Reform UK and the Conservatives over their handling of child poverty. He claims that Nigel Farage's decision to bring back the two-child benefit cap for all families, except those with two working parents, is a "cruel alliance" aimed at pushing children into poverty.
In contrast, Labour's policy will ensure that half a million more kids are lifted out of poverty. The move has been welcomed by anti-poverty groups and charities, who argue it represents a major shift in the government's approach to welfare policy.
The Conservatives have argued that getting rid of the two-child benefit cap would free up £3bn to be spent on tax cuts. However, Pat McFadden, work and pensions secretary, has countered that this money is being invested in children's future, citing evidence that children from poor families are more likely to struggle with mental health problems and underachieving at school.
The decision to scrap the two-child benefit cap has been widely praised by experts and charities. It is a significant step forward for Labour's anti-poverty agenda and sets them apart from their rivals on this issue.
Starmer has been quick to criticise Reform UK and the Conservatives over their handling of child poverty. He claims that Nigel Farage's decision to bring back the two-child benefit cap for all families, except those with two working parents, is a "cruel alliance" aimed at pushing children into poverty.
In contrast, Labour's policy will ensure that half a million more kids are lifted out of poverty. The move has been welcomed by anti-poverty groups and charities, who argue it represents a major shift in the government's approach to welfare policy.
The Conservatives have argued that getting rid of the two-child benefit cap would free up £3bn to be spent on tax cuts. However, Pat McFadden, work and pensions secretary, has countered that this money is being invested in children's future, citing evidence that children from poor families are more likely to struggle with mental health problems and underachieving at school.
The decision to scrap the two-child benefit cap has been widely praised by experts and charities. It is a significant step forward for Labour's anti-poverty agenda and sets them apart from their rivals on this issue.
, it shows he's willing to think outside the box and not just keep playing it safe. i mean, the two-child benefit cap was already a crap idea, and now labour is finally getting rid of it 
. the number 500k kids who'll be lifted out of poverty is insane, i've no doubt charities and anti-poverty groups are going to love this move 
. it's great to see pat mcfadden pushing back against the cons argument that they're just cutting tax, like, come on guys, investing in kids' future makes total sense 
. labour's got some serious momentum building up, and this policy is definitely going to set them apart from the cons 
I mean, I'm all for giving kids a break, right? 
But, gotta ask, what's the real motivation here? Is it really just about helping those in need or is there more to it than that? 
I mean, £3bn on tax cuts sounds like a nice chunk of change, but is it worth potentially pushing some families further into poverty? 
I'm all for fairness and helping those who need it most, but do we really want to create a culture of dependency?
500k kids lifted out of poverty is a huge deal. And the fact that Labour's putting in more money to support mental health and education for kids from poor families? 
That's some serious compassion right there.
It's like, hello, life is unpredictable and sometimes families need a little extra help.
Like, what's more important: tax breaks for rich folks or helping actual people? It's so obvious which one should come first. And Pat McFadden's stats about mental health and education are like, totally on point. Kids from poor families need support not just financially but emotionally too. 
. And now Labour's gonna save half a million more families from poverty? That's what politics should be about - making a difference! The fact that the Tories thought they could just cut taxes instead of tackling child poverty shows us where their priorities lie 
. But hey, at least they're acknowledging the issue and saying we need to invest in kids' future. Can't wait to see how this plays out 
! Starmer's about to make it so all families can have 2 kids and still get that benjamins 
. Pat McFadden's words are everything, mental health problems & school struggles? Yaaas, let's invest in them youngins' future 