The parliamentary party has suspended seven Labour MPs for half a year after they voted against the government in an attempt to remove the two-child benefit cap. This policy means that almost every parent is not allowed to claim Universal Credit or child tax credit over two children.
Among the MPs who supported the SNP motion calling for an end to this controversial policy are ex-Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell, Richard Burgon, Ian Byrne, Rebecca Long Bailey, Imran Hussain, Apsana Begum and Zarah Sultana. The new Labour government will have its authority tested when 363 votes are cast against 103 in favor of rejecting the amendment.
Being stripped of their membership means these MPs will be suspended from their parliamentary party and serve as individuals. Most of them are loyalists of Jeremy Corbyn, former leader of Labour Party who also signed his name under this motion by SNP.
While responding on social media Ms Sultana expressed that she would “always stand up for society’s most vulnerable” and said ending it would help “33,000 children out of poverty.”
On his part Mr Burgon expressed his disappointment at being suspended explaining that ”a number of families struggling” in Leeds East concerned about their dissatisfaction with it had contacted him.
Ms Begum claimed to have voted against it because through “it” many families in “East End have been exposed to more child poverty levels and food insecurity.” Similarly, Mr Byrne emphasized that “the best option” was doing away with the cap for his poor constituents in Liverpool West Derbyshire.
Beforehand he warned: ‘I don’t like voting on other parties’ amendments but I am following Keir Starmer’s lead who says the country comes first.’
This act is seen as a signal from the new administration that dissent will not be tolerated. It is hoped that this action will serve as a message about what other Members should understand about unity within party lines during voting sessions.
However, despite their suspension, many Labour MPs are against the two-child benefit cap. The party believes that a decision to scrap it will be made in the near future as well. According to a government source who acknowledged this policy of the Labour Party on the cap before the election, “we won’t make unfunded promises” by ending it.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has previously acknowledged the “passion” of his party’s MPs on this matter but said there was “no silver bullet” to end child poverty. Resistance against the cap has intensified as Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar and Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham have joined calls for its abolition.
Mr Burnham told Parami Newsnight: “The evidence is plain that it really does cause harm,” while also calling for party unity and suggesting the government should have “time and space” to develop a plan to reduce poverty. He noted that government had been handed down an “awful economic inheritance.”
Another amendment aimed at abolishing this was signed by 19 other Labour MPs including Kim Johnson and Rosie Duffield, but was never voted upon. Some of those who chose not vote were critics of this such as Ian Lavery and Nadia Whittome.
Dianne told a reporter that she was “too upset” to vote due to private reasons, but in a statement, she said it was a shocking moment when MPs were suspended for doing what the party policy indicated they should.
Of all the votes tonight, Emma Lewell-Buck, Labour MP for South Shields explained that the cap would only have been scrapped through none of them. She added that her colleagues and her would collaborate with government in case it includes scrapping the cap in Autumn Budget.
But Sir Keir passed King’s Speech following the rebellion marking his first major test as PM. In addition, 384 votes against 117 demolished an attempt by Conservatives’ who wanted to push an amendment advocating their policies on defence spending, illegal immigration and deflation. Furthermore, Lib Dem-tabled amendment on health and social care crisis, sewage discharges and electoral reforms fell by 382 votes against 85
Liz Kendall Secretary for Work & Pensions told me you can’t change “the terrible legacy” of tory govt overnight but were “absolutely committed to making a massive difference” on child poverty. According to the Institute for Fiscal Studies this will cost £3.4bn p.a.
The SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn spoke about abolishing this cap as the “minimum requirement” to address child poverty as well as set out changes which have already been promised.
