A Labour MSP has hit out at party leader Sir Keir Starmer’s failure to pledge to scrap the two-child benefits limit.
Monica Lennon – who was defeated by current Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar in the party’s leadership election in 2021 – said on Twitter that Labour members are “scared of deselection, being exiled to backbenches, or not winning selections” for speaking out about the party’s policies.
The two-child cap – dubbed by some as the “rape clause” – precludes families from applying for child tax credit and Universal Credit for more than two children, although an exemption exists if a child is conceived through rape and this can be proven.
Sir Keir has said scrapping the two-child limit is not party policy, but he did not rule out a shift at a later date, adding: “If that changes I’ll let you know.”
Ms Lennon tweeted: “I know colleagues are scared of deselection, being exiled to backbenches, or not winning selections, but if we don’t speak out then who will?
“The two-child benefit cap (aka the rape clause) is abhorrent and must be scrapped.
“@UKLabour policies must be progressive and humane.”
First Minister Humza Yousaf also called on the Labour leader to perform “another U-turn” on the issue.
“Keir Starmer says he doesn’t care if he sounds Conservative,” Mr Yousaf said on Twitter.
“15,000 children in Scotland would be lifted out of poverty by scrapping the two-child limit. They will care.
“Starmer must perform another u-turn & scrap cruel two-child cap & rape clause.”
SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn said Labour are becoming “indistinguishable from the Tories”.
He added: “Sir Keir Starmer’s failure to commit to abolishing the cruel and callous two-child benefit cap will have shocked voters right across these isles, leaving many wondering what the Labour Party actually stand for.
“It is incumbent on both Sir Keir and Anas Sarwar to confirm that a future Labour UK government would scrap this callous and cruel policy on day one.
“Failure to do so will confirm that Labour aren’t offering real change – they are only offering to copy disgraceful Tory policies.”
Peter Kelly, director of the Poverty Alliance, said: “We need governments that believe in justice and compassion and who are committed to tackling the human misery being caused by inadequate incomes in Scotland and across the UK.”
