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Jacob Morris, a political reporter for BBC Wales News, reported that First Minister Eluned Morgan is urging Sir Keir Starmer to eliminate the two-child benefit cap. Morgan expressed deep concern regarding child poverty, labeling the policy, which was introduced by the Conservative UK government in 2017, as “damaging.” The policy currently restricts families from claiming means-tested benefits for any third or additional children born after April of that year. UK government Education Secretary for England Bridget Phillipson acknowledged that the cap has led to an increase in families living in poverty and stated that all options are being considered to potentially remove it.
During the Urdd Eisteddfod event, Morgan emphasized her government’s apprehensions about child poverty following a recent meeting with the prime minister in London, where tensions had arisen, prompting Morgan to call on Sir Keir to step up for Wales. The UK government is anticipated to disclose its decision on the cap in autumn as it unveils its child poverty strategy. Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s upcoming spending review, outlining the UK government’s financial priorities leading up to the next general election, is set to be finalized next month. Morgan justified the timing of the request to dismantle the child benefit cap policy, emphasizing that this has been a longstanding appeal from the Welsh government, now being highlighted due to the imminent spending review.
Plaid Cymru criticized Morgan’s shifting stance, accusing her of “staggering hypocrisy.” Plaid’s social justice spokesperson, Sioned Williams, highlighted instances where Morgan had opposed calls to end the cap, pointing out that Labour MSs had previously voted against Plaid Cymru’s efforts in the Senedd. The sudden change in approach by Labour was viewed as a response to polling rather than a reflection of core values. Last July, seven Labour MPs had their whip suspended for voting against Starmer’s government by supporting an SNP amendment to eradicate the cap, causing them to sit as independent members in the House of Commons
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