Neil Kinnock Urges Labour to Scrap Controversial Benefits Cap
Former Labour leader Neil Kinnock has called on the Labour government to abolish the two-child cap on benefits, describing the rule as one that would leave Charles Dickens “furious.”
Speaking on rising poverty in the UK, Lord Kinnock warned that the cap has contributed to an increase in hardship for children and families.
“But I really want them to move in that direction because the figures are that if that did occur it would mean that about 600,000 kids fewer are in poverty,” he said.
Kinnock suggested that the move could be funded by a wealth tax targeting the top 1% of earners. “I know it’s the economics of Robin Hood, but I don’t think there is anything terribly bad about that,” he added.
Former Labour leader Neil Kinnock: Scrap the two child benefit cap
Labour today: meh pic.twitter.com/02tY3nLnwq
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The Labour peer reflected on the last 15 years under Conservative rule, highlighting a slow but steady rise in child poverty. “In 15 years, starting from a position where beneficial change was taking place, we’ve got to the place that would make Charles Dickens furious,” he stated.
He also noted the vulnerability of children in poverty, saying: “It’s been allowed to happen because the kids are voiceless and their parents feel powerless. I defy anybody to see a child in need and not want to help.”
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) responded, stressing ongoing reforms to the social security system aimed at improving opportunities and living standards for families.
“Through our plan for change, we are reforming the broken social security system to help those who can work into good, well-paid jobs, which is the best way to improve living standards for families …
The child poverty taskforce will publish an ambitious strategy later this year to ensure we deliver fully funded measures that tackle the structural and root causes of child poverty across the country,” a government spokesperson said.
The debate comes as public concern grows over the fairness and impact of the benefits cap. Kinnock’s comments have reignited calls for urgent action to protect vulnerable children across the UK.
