The policy, which limits benefits to families with more than two children, has been criticised for its negative impact on families across the UK

The SNP has demanded the end of the two-child benefit cap, calling it a policy that has caused “unnecessary suffering” for families since its introduction seven years ago. The policy limits child tax and universal credit to the first two children in a family, meaning families with more than two children do not receive benefits for additional children born after April 6, 2017. This effectively denies families around £3,200 per year for each extra child.

SNP MP Alison Thewliss has urged Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to reflect on the policy’s harm and to commit to scrapping it. She also called on the Labour Party to “grow a backbone” and abolish the cap if the Conservatives fail to do so. While Labour has expressed concerns about fully costed plans to scrap the benefit, Sir Keir Starmer has said his party would look to implement the policy “more fairly.”

The two-child cap, which also includes an exemption known as the “rape clause” for children born from non-consensual conception, has been widely criticised for exacerbating child poverty. Thewliss argued that it was a politically driven measure aimed at austerity rather than supporting families. She claimed the policy had caused harm to women and children, yet the Conservative Party had remained committed to it despite overwhelming evidence of its negative effects.

Taking aim at Labour, Thewliss said the party’s refusal to commit to scrapping the policy left many questioning what difference Labour would make if it won the next election.

A UK Government spokesperson defended the policy, describing it as a matter of fairness and claiming it encourages families on benefits to make the same financial decisions as those supporting themselves through work. The spokesperson also highlighted the government’s £108 billion cost-of-living support package and initiatives aimed at preventing poverty and supporting families.

Scottish Labour’s health spokesman, Paul O’Kane, responded by criticising the SNP for focusing on Labour rather than addressing rising poverty and waiting times for social security payments in Scotland. O’Kane said that Labour was committed to reforming Universal Credit and improving wages for Scots, emphasising the need for more support for working people.