Lucy Powell, the deputy leader of the Labour Party, has emphatically called for the government to urgently lift the two-child benefit cap in full, highlighting the devastating impact the policy has on child poverty. Powell emphasized the importance of Labour standing firmly by its election promises, particularly regarding taxation and social welfare.
She stated, “It is really important we stand by the promises we were elected on and do what we said we would do.” Trust in politics, she added, is vital if the party is to gain public confidence and effectively lead the country. “We should be following through on our manifesto, of course. There’s no question about that.”
Powell outlined her vision for a “budget of fairness” that prioritizes putting more money into people’s pockets and advancing a Labour narrative focused on reshaping the country to benefit the many rather than the few.
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A spokesperson for Powell clarified that budget decisions rest with the chancellor and prime minister, especially given the challenging economic context. Despite these difficulties, Powell remains supportive of their decisions.
The urgency behind lifting the two-child benefit cap is underscored by its tangible toll, forcing at least 40,000 children yearly into deep poverty. Powell described these levels of deprivation as “grotesque” and demanded swift government action to reverse this trend.
Within Labour, there is concern that broken promises and the rising cost of living are driving public disillusionment and electoral losses. An unnamed Labour MP noted that although some policies like the national insurance rise initially polled well, their practical effects eroded support at the grassroots level.
Powell’s call to lift the two-child benefit cap fully and without delay is part of wider Labour efforts to demonstrate commitment to fairness and social justice in policy-making.