3 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Plaid Cymru criticise Labour on two-child benefit cap
The criticism follows First Minister Eluned Morgan's call for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to scrap the policy, which limits child benefit payments to the first two children in a family.
Plaid Cymru's social justice and early years spokesperson, Sioned Williams MS, said: "This is staggering hypocrisy from Labour.
"Just last Christmas, Eluned Morgan derided Plaid Cymru for demanding the two-child cap be scrapped.
"As recently as last October, Labour MSs voted against our calls in the Senedd to stand up for children in poverty and end this cruel cap.
"Meanwhile in Westminster, not a single Welsh Labour MP backed our efforts to scrap it – and Keir Starmer suspended his own MPs for voting to protect children.
"Now, suddenly, Labour are changing their tone.
"One would be forgiven for thinking this isn't about principle, but panic – driven by polling, not values."
The two-child benefit cap has come under renewed scrutiny amid reports that the UK Government may consider scrapping it ahead of its spending review.
First Minister Ms Morgan has urged the Prime Minister to remove the cap, which campaigners argue increases child poverty.
However, Ms Williams said Labour's position lacked consistency.
She said: "Plaid Cymru has been consistent from the start.
"We've fought to scrap the two-child cap because it's the right thing to do for thousands of children growing up in poverty.
"In Wales, we led the way on universal free school meals.
"And in government, we pledge to deliver a Welsh Child Payment – a direct weekly payment to offer real, targeted help to support families who need it most."
The policy has become a flashpoint within the Labour Party, exposing internal divisions and prompting criticism from across the political spectrum.
Darren Millar MS, leader of the Welsh Conservatives, questioned Labour's promises to voters.
Mr Millar said: "Labour promised that having two governments working at either side of the M4 would deliver for Wales, but all we've seen is a party at war with itself and a First Minister who clearly holds no sway with the Prime Minister.
"The reality is that eliminating the two-child benefit cap would come at a financial cost, ultimately borne by hardworking taxpayers.
"While the state should always support the most vulnerable, any extra costs must be weighed against the principle of fairness for the taxpayer."
Ann Davies MP, Plaid Cymru's work and pensions spokesperson, criticised both Labour and the Conservatives for maintaining the policy.
Ms Davies said: "The Tories are choosing to defend a policy that pulls 109 children into poverty every day.
"There's nothing fair or responsible about that.
"Ending the two-child limit would lift 350,000 children out of poverty across the UK instantly – more effectively and at lower cost than any alternative.
"That is why Plaid Cymru have tabled motions in both Westminster and the Senedd calling for it to be scrapped, which have sadly been voted down by Labour consistently.
"The Conservatives are once again proving just how out of touch they are with the daily struggles faced by people across Wales."
Welsh Labour did not respond to a request for comment.
