Members of Parliament are poised for what Chancellor Rachel Reeves has described as a 'major moment' in British social policy, with a crucial vote scheduled today on legislation to abolish the controversial two-child benefit limit.
Chancellor's Pledge to End 'Tory-Era' Policy
In a significant intervention, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has penned an article for The Mirror newspaper, declaring her pride in dismantling what she terms a 'Tory-era measure' that has left countless children without adequate heating and food. The policy, which restricts Child Tax Credits and Universal Credit to the first two children in most households, was introduced in 2017 under former Chancellor George Osborne.
'I know what choice I will be making tonight when I vote,' Ms Reeves stated unequivocally, 'and it will be for the others – the Conservatives and Reform – to explain theirs.' Her comments set the stage for a politically charged parliamentary showdown.
Substantial Impact on Child Poverty Figures
The Chancellor confirmed during November's Budget that the policy, widely blamed for trapping families in poverty, will be formally axed from April. Government analysis suggests this move will help lift approximately 450,000 children out of poverty, marking one of the most significant welfare reforms in recent years.
However, the legislative journey begins in earnest today, with the first debate and vote on the bill to formally scrap the limit. It faces determined opposition from Kemi Badenoch's Conservative Party and Reform UK, whose leader Nigel Farage has confirmed his party will vote against the removal.
Internal Labour Divisions and External Campaigner Pressure
The path to this vote has not been without controversy within the governing party. Notably, a commitment to scrap the two-child limit was conspicuously absent from Labour's election manifesto. This omission led to a significant rebellion shortly after the party's victory, resulting in seven MPs losing the whip after defying the leadership on this very issue.
The political landscape shifted last year when the government published its comprehensive child poverty strategy, which included the firm pledge to abolish the limit—a move met with widespread approval from Labour backbenchers and anti-poverty campaigners alike.
Broad Coalition Demands Historic Change
The Chancellor's advocacy coincides with a powerful joint statement issued today by a coalition of 60 organisations, including the Child Poverty Action Group, Citizens Advice, and major education unions. They collectively urge all MPs to vote in favour of ending what they label an 'awful experiment'.
'This is a historic day for children and families across the UK,' the statement proclaims, 'as legislation to remove the two-child limit from our social security system starts to make its way through Parliament.' The campaigners argue that the policy has had a 'devastating impact on young lives' and is the primary driver behind child poverty reaching record highs.
They further commend the government for its decision and call on all parliamentarians to stand with the nation's children. 'Every child deserves the best start in life,' the statement concludes, 'with a decent childhood that lays the foundations for a strong future. Ending the two-child limit sets our country on the right path to meet that ambition.'
Today's vote therefore represents not just a key legislative hurdle, but a symbolic turning point in the national debate on welfare, family support, and the government's duty to protect the most vulnerable in society.
